Teresa Carreno was a young and talented pianist. After learning her craft in her home country of Venezuela, her family finds themselves in America during the Civil War. When word of her talent reaches the White House she is invited to play for the president.
There are so many wonderful parts to this book! There is a colorful map to greet readers and to show the young pianist's journey. Early on the illustrations have a distinct Hispanic/Latinx vibe from the vibrant colors and the patterns used in the bird and flowers. Every page carries a mark of Teresa's home through the small bird and images of flowers and trees that are always present. The characters are distinctly drawn with dark hair and brown skin and the dress of the women will remind readers of dresses used in cultural dances among the community. Teresa's father is shown with thick, dark hair and mustache. Engle's prose is beautiful and paints the story of this amazing musician with a sense of melody. The reader experiences the ebbs and flows of the text as if one is listening to music. Authenticity is given by the use of Spanish names and the feeling of loneliness upon arriving in a new country.
"Half biographical sketch, half wide-eyed tribute, Engle and López’s collaboration endearingly builds to Teresa’s fateful meeting with Lincoln like a gravitational pull, with bursts of compassion and admiration for both artist and public servant. Engle’s free verse whirls and twirls, playful and vivacious, while López’s vivid, colorful artwork elevates this story to heavenly heights.
Like a concerto for the heart." - Kirkus ReviewBook Information
Engle, M. (2019). DANCING HANDS: HOW TERESA CARREN PLAYED THE PIANO FOR PRESIDENT LINCOLN. Illustrated by Rafael Lopez. New York: Anthem Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781481487405
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