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Description
In this beautifully written picture book, Hana Hashimoto has signed up to play her violin at her school's talent show. The trouble is, she's only a beginner, and she's had only three lessons. Her brothers insist she isn't good enough. “It's a talent show, Hana,” they tell her. “You'll be a disaster!” Hana remembers how wonderfully her talented grandfather, or Ojiichan, played his violin when she was visiting him in Japan. So, just like Ojiichan, Hana practices every day. She is determined to play her best. When Hana's confidence wavers on the night of the show, however, she begins to wonder if her brothers were right. But then Hana surprises everyone once it's her turn to perform --- even herself!
The Asian American female protagonist in this story offers a unique perspective, and bestselling author Chieri Uegaki has woven in lyrical scenes from Japan that add depth and resonance. The details in the artwork by Qin Leng connect the two places and contain a feeling of melody throughout. In the classroom, this book could serve as a celebration of music and performing arts, multicultural studies or the importance of intergenerational relationships. It is also a fabulous character education tie-in for discussing courage and perseverance. This terrifically inspiring book offers hope and confidence to all children who are yearning to master something difficult. Perhaps even more important, it allows children to see that there is more than one way to be successful at a task.
Author Bio
Chieri Uegaki is a graduate of the creative writing department at the University of British Columbia. Suki's Kimono is her first published work. She lives in Sechelt, British Columbia.
QIN LENG lives and works as a designer and illustrator in Toronto. She graduated from the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema and has received many awards for her animated short films and artwork. Her picture books include Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin by Chieri Uegaki (APALA Award, Governor General’s Literary Award finalist); Away by Emil Sher and A Family Is a Family Is a Family by Sara O’Leary (both USBBY Outstanding International Books); When I Found Grandma by Saumiya Balasubramaniam (Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award finalist) and I Am Small, which Qin has written and illustrated.
Prizes
- Governor General's Literary Award, Children's Literature Illustration, Canada CouncilShort-listed 2014
- Top Children's Books of 2014, Metro NewsWinner 2014
- Chocolate Lily Book Award, Picture Book CategoryShort-listed 2015
- 2014 OLA Best Bet List for Children, OLA's Canadian Materials CommitteeWinner 2014
- Ezra Jack Keats Book Award for New Writer, The Ezra Jack Keats FoundationWinner 2015
- Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, Picture Book Category, Asian Pacific American Librarians AssociationWinner 2014
- Notable Books for a Global Society (NBGS) List, Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest GroupWinner 2015
- CCBC Choices , Cooperative Children's Book CenterWinner 2015
- Top 2014 Mighty Girl Books For Younger Readers, A Mighty GirlWinner 2014
- USBBY Outstanding International Books, honor list, International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)Winner 2015
- Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize, West Coast Book Prize SocietyShort-listed 2015
- Maine State Chickadee Award, Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL)Short-listed 2015
- First & Best List, Toronto Public LibraryShort-listed 2014
Review Quotes
Hana's clever triumph is testament to her inventiveness, perceptiveness, and dedication.—Publishers Weekly
The quiet story would make a fine addition to most libraries.—School Library Journal
Combining a love for music, artful storytelling, and beautifully evocative visuals, this will likely inspire young musicians to discover how to use their nascent skills creatively.—Booklist
And that, folks, is how you tell a completely charming yet refreshingly unsentimental tale of an intergenerational bond of love.—The Horn Book Magazine
This sweet multicultural story will resonate with anyone who has experienced stage fright.—Kirkus Reviews
Uegaki's book is winning in every possible way ... Hana displays courage, creative problem-solving and lots of spunk.—Kirkus Reviews
Learning to do something new and how to apply yourself and perseverance are applications that can be drawn from this book.—Resource Links
Biographical note
Chieri Uegaki is a graduate of the creative writing department at the University of British Columbia. Suki's Kimono is her first published work. She lives in Sechelt, British Columbia.
Qin Leng was born in Shanghai, China, and later moved to France and then Montreal, Canada. She now lives in Toronto, Canada, with her twin sister and works as a designer and illustrator. Her books have been nominated for numerous prizes, including the prestigious Governor General's Literary Award.
