by Margarita Engle (Author), Rafael López (Illustrator)
Girls cannot be drummers. Long ago on an island filled with music, no one questioned that rule--until the drum dream girl.
In her city of drumbeats, she dreamed of pounding tall congas and tapping small bongós. She had to keep quiet. She had to practice in secret. But when at last her dream-bright music was heard, everyone sang and danced and decided that both girls and boys should be free to drum and dream.
Inspired by the childhood of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke Cuba's traditional taboo against female drummers, Drum Dream Girl tells an inspiring true story for dreamers everywhere.
This beautiful picture book was recognized with a Pura Belpré Honor. A strong option for those interested in women's history and Hispanic History topics.
Author Biography
Margarita Engle is a Cuban American poet and novelist who has won many awards, including a Newbery Honor and a Pura Belpré Honor. She lives in Northern California. Visit her website at www.margaritaengle.com.
Rafael López is an award-winning illustrator and muralist. He divides his time between San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and San Diego, California. Visit his website at www.rafaellopez-books.com.
Number of Pages: 48
Dimensions: 0.4 x 10 x 8.3 IN
Illustrated: Yes
Publication Date: March 31, 2015
Award: Pura Belpre Award (2016)
Award: Charlotte Zolotow Award (2016)
Award: Georgia Children's Book Award (2017)
Accelerated Reader:
Quiz Name: Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music
Interest Level: Lower Grades, K-3
Reading Level: 4.2
Point Value: 0.5
