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Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion
This picture book tells the true story of world-famous deaf percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie.
This is a story of music.
Of obstacles.
Of strength and hard work.
Of all you can accomplish when you dream.
As a child, Evelyn Glennie's ears began to hurt. Voices became distant whispers. Ringing phones sounded like muffled crunches in her ears. But when she was told that she would need to wear hearing aids for the rest of her life, Evelyn was determined that this this would never stop her from playing music. Instead of giving up on her dreams, Evelyn found new ways to listen...
This is a story of music.
Of obstacles.
Of strength and hard work.
Of all you can accomplish when you dream.
As a child, Evelyn Glennie's ears began to hurt. Voices became distant whispers. Ringing phones sounded like muffled crunches in her ears. But when she was told that she would need to wear hearing aids for the rest of her life, Evelyn was determined that this this would never stop her from playing music. Instead of giving up on her dreams, Evelyn found new ways to listen...
40 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2022
12 people are currently reading
719 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
December 2, 2022
I read this when I visited my school library. There is always a thematic display of picture books at the front of the library.
I've never heard of Evelyn Glennie, but I really feel like I should have. I live in a house of musicians.
Evelyn is a young girl born in Scotland in the 1960's. Her parents encourage her musicial abilities. When she is around eight, Evelyn begins losing her hearing. The doctor tells her she will never play music again. Thank goodness Mr. Glennie did not agree with the doctor's prognosis.
Evelyn fought against stereotypes and fixed mindsets on the abilities of persons that are differently abled. A teacher in her middle school allows her to think of music based on how it feels. She learns to listen to music with her body and becomes a proficient percussionist. Watch her explain how she learned her method of playing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU3V6...
I loved this story and I wish I knew about it sooner. Just amazing.
I've never heard of Evelyn Glennie, but I really feel like I should have. I live in a house of musicians.
Evelyn is a young girl born in Scotland in the 1960's. Her parents encourage her musicial abilities. When she is around eight, Evelyn begins losing her hearing. The doctor tells her she will never play music again. Thank goodness Mr. Glennie did not agree with the doctor's prognosis.
Evelyn fought against stereotypes and fixed mindsets on the abilities of persons that are differently abled. A teacher in her middle school allows her to think of music based on how it feels. She learns to listen to music with her body and becomes a proficient percussionist. Watch her explain how she learned her method of playing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU3V6...
I loved this story and I wish I knew about it sooner. Just amazing.
March 23, 2022
"Losing my hearing made me a better listener."
This is the remarkable story of Evelyn Glennie, who loved and played music as a young child, but became deaf a few years later. It was suggested she go to a deaf school, and forget about music. But instead, she stands up for herself and goes to a traditional school, where again, she is discouraged but perseveres with the help of an open-minded (and open-eared) teacher named Mr. Forbes. He helps her discover the true sound of music, minus her hearing aids and shoes. The illustrations by Devon Holzworth do a great job at making this sound transition visual. Author Shannon Stocker has given us lots of sound-words that flow along the pages and really make it come alive. The story continues with Evelyn's amazing accomplishments right up to the present day. SO interesting and eye (and ear) opening!
This is the remarkable story of Evelyn Glennie, who loved and played music as a young child, but became deaf a few years later. It was suggested she go to a deaf school, and forget about music. But instead, she stands up for herself and goes to a traditional school, where again, she is discouraged but perseveres with the help of an open-minded (and open-eared) teacher named Mr. Forbes. He helps her discover the true sound of music, minus her hearing aids and shoes. The illustrations by Devon Holzworth do a great job at making this sound transition visual. Author Shannon Stocker has given us lots of sound-words that flow along the pages and really make it come alive. The story continues with Evelyn's amazing accomplishments right up to the present day. SO interesting and eye (and ear) opening!
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May 27, 2022I'm so glad to know about the life and musicianship of Evelyn Glennie, a deaf percussionist who attended music school and became a solo musician despite initially being told she couldn't become a musician. If you think a deaf person can't be a musician or that there's only one way to hear (with our ears), check out this book!
May 11, 2023
A beautifully illustrated, inspirational book about an incredibly talented, differently-abled (you cannot see her as DISabled) musician – who just happens to be deaf. Evelyn Glennie – with the help of a very perceptive and encouraging music teacher – confounded all expectations of what a deaf person could achieve or should even dream of achieving, to not only learn to play percussion instruments, but to become an internationally renown professional percussionist.
The book opens your eyes to new ways of perceiving and appreciating music, and shows you that sometimes, what general society sees as a disability, can be redefined and reworked as a gift – you just need to dream, and believe.
The illustrations are superb – you can SEE the music that Evelyn FEELS. Why does there only have to be one sense to experience music through?
I have seen a TV program about Evelyn Glennie and her music, and she is a truly talented and wonderful musician to see and hear. This book introduces her to children, and will hopefully encourage them to expand their horizons way beyond what is deemed appropriate for their ‘ability’.
Very. very highly recommended.
The book opens your eyes to new ways of perceiving and appreciating music, and shows you that sometimes, what general society sees as a disability, can be redefined and reworked as a gift – you just need to dream, and believe.
“Evelyn remembered the audiologist who thought people culd only hear with their ears.
He was wrong.
“Losing my hearing,” she said, “made me a better listener”.”
… Throughout her life, many people told her “No. You can’t” But Evelyn always knew she could.
And you can too.
If you only … shhhhh … LISTEN”
The illustrations are superb – you can SEE the music that Evelyn FEELS. Why does there only have to be one sense to experience music through?
I have seen a TV program about Evelyn Glennie and her music, and she is a truly talented and wonderful musician to see and hear. This book introduces her to children, and will hopefully encourage them to expand their horizons way beyond what is deemed appropriate for their ‘ability’.
Very. very highly recommended.
June 13, 2022
This picture book biography tells a fascinating story in a wonderfully stylistic, vibrant, and inspiring way.
September 13, 2022
Will be adding this one to the library.
March 24, 2023
Baguus!! Ini semacam biografi singkat(?) dalam bentuk buku bergambar tentang seorang Evelyn Glennie, pemain perkusi yang tuli.
Jadii pas kecil tuh evelyn suka main musik, lalu seiring dengan berjalannya waktu kemampuan mendengarnya menurun (disini ga dijelasin kenapa). Pas dibawa ke dokter, dokternya bilang ada permasalahan di telinganya. Dengan demikian, si dokter merasa evelyn gabisa main musik lagi dan harus masuk sekolah yang diperuntukkan bagi anak-anak yang tuli juga.
Tapi evelyn gamau. Dia yakin dia tetep bisa bermusik. Dia juga mau masuk sekolah yang dia pilih.
Sepanjang hidupnya, evelyn sering mendapat perkataan bahwa dia gabisa ngelakuin ini-itu karena keterbatasannya dalam pendengaran. Dia bahkan ditolak Royal Academy of Music di London karena mereka gayakin musisi tuli bisa sukses gituloh. Tapi Evelyn selalu yakin dia bisa, dan dia berusaha membuktikan itu—bahwa mendengar tuh ga hanya bisa pake telinga. Dia percaya bahwa suara tuh kyk sentuhan. Bisa dirasakan. Mungkin dia ga mendengar kyk orang-orang yang ga tuli, tapi dia tetep bisa mendengar dengan cara lain.
Ada perkataan menarik di bagian author's note (setelah baca beberapa graphic novel dan buku2 bergambar begini aku jadi paham kalo author's note tuh penting banget dibaca). Kata Evelyn "Create your own story. You cannot wait for things to happen to you. You must make your own oppurtunities." And that's what she did, she created her own opportunities.
Menurutku buku ini memang cocok banget buat anak-anak karena di samping pesannya yang bagus, ilustrasinya juga cantik & colorful. Tapi bukan berarti ga cocok buat kita-kita yang lebih tua yaa. Sebenernya buat semua umur cocok kok. Sebagai reminder bahwa adanya keterbatasan di diri kita (dalam bentuk apapun) bukan berarti membatasi kita untuk mencapai apa yang dipengenin, malah bisajadi membuka peluang baru. Penolakan itu pasti ada. Pasti bakalan ada orang yang gayakin sama kemampuan kita. Tapi yang terpenting adalah kita yakin sama diri kita sendiri☺️👍🏻 Interpretasiku kurang lebih seperti ituu~
Jadii pas kecil tuh evelyn suka main musik, lalu seiring dengan berjalannya waktu kemampuan mendengarnya menurun (disini ga dijelasin kenapa). Pas dibawa ke dokter, dokternya bilang ada permasalahan di telinganya. Dengan demikian, si dokter merasa evelyn gabisa main musik lagi dan harus masuk sekolah yang diperuntukkan bagi anak-anak yang tuli juga.
Tapi evelyn gamau. Dia yakin dia tetep bisa bermusik. Dia juga mau masuk sekolah yang dia pilih.
Sepanjang hidupnya, evelyn sering mendapat perkataan bahwa dia gabisa ngelakuin ini-itu karena keterbatasannya dalam pendengaran. Dia bahkan ditolak Royal Academy of Music di London karena mereka gayakin musisi tuli bisa sukses gituloh. Tapi Evelyn selalu yakin dia bisa, dan dia berusaha membuktikan itu—bahwa mendengar tuh ga hanya bisa pake telinga. Dia percaya bahwa suara tuh kyk sentuhan. Bisa dirasakan. Mungkin dia ga mendengar kyk orang-orang yang ga tuli, tapi dia tetep bisa mendengar dengan cara lain.
Ada perkataan menarik di bagian author's note (setelah baca beberapa graphic novel dan buku2 bergambar begini aku jadi paham kalo author's note tuh penting banget dibaca). Kata Evelyn "Create your own story. You cannot wait for things to happen to you. You must make your own oppurtunities." And that's what she did, she created her own opportunities.
Menurutku buku ini memang cocok banget buat anak-anak karena di samping pesannya yang bagus, ilustrasinya juga cantik & colorful. Tapi bukan berarti ga cocok buat kita-kita yang lebih tua yaa. Sebenernya buat semua umur cocok kok. Sebagai reminder bahwa adanya keterbatasan di diri kita (dalam bentuk apapun) bukan berarti membatasi kita untuk mencapai apa yang dipengenin, malah bisajadi membuka peluang baru. Penolakan itu pasti ada. Pasti bakalan ada orang yang gayakin sama kemampuan kita. Tapi yang terpenting adalah kita yakin sama diri kita sendiri☺️👍🏻 Interpretasiku kurang lebih seperti ituu~
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November 17, 2023A great story about how you can indeed achieve the things that others think you can't. I think it would have been cool to have an interactive element, like a way of feeling the sounds rather than hearing them.
May 3, 2022
Incredible story of how a Evelyn Glennie, a gifted musician lost her hearing, but persevered and became the first person to become a full-time solo percussionist. It talks about how hearing is basically feeling because the soundwaves hit on the eardrum and become converted to electric impulses that are heard, but that she was able to "listen" to those soundwaves with other parts of her body, and because she was a gifted musician, and because her deafness didn't change that gift, she was able to continue to make music as a soloist and as a member of musical ensembles.
April 17, 2022
This is an incredible story that is inspiring to kids and grown ups alike! The author tells the story beautifully, in a way that helps the reader feel the story, much like Evelyn learned to feel the music. This is the ultimate story that teaches its readers to question and push through the limits set by ourselves and others. The gorgeous illustrations make the story dance off the page. Highly recommend this gem of a book!!
December 13, 2022
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
May 31, 2025
4.5 stars
Listen is a really lovely picture book biography about the life of percussionist Evelyn Glennie. Glennie was a child music prodigy until she became deaf at the age of eight. She was told by virtually everyone that she would never be able to be a musician because of her deafness, but a dedicated music teacher helped her adapt her playing style to involve feeling the vibrations of the music with her body rather than with her hearing. Eventually she became one of the most renowned percussionists in the world. The narrative does a really good job of telling this story, there are lots of vivid sound words across the pages, and the illustrations are beautiful.
I always try to be cognizant of ableism whenever I pick up a book about disability or disabled people because so many books veer towards inspiration porn or pitying narratives, but I think this manages to avoid that pretty well. It's pretty clear that Glennie didn't have to "overcome" her disability or that "if she can do it, anyone can" but rather that Glennie was always able to play music and the only thing she had to overcome to do so was ableism. It's inspirational, but not in the way that disability narratives are spun as inspirational but in the classic kidlit "believe in yourself and you can achieve anything" sense. The author is not deaf, but she is a disabled musician, and I think that the way this story is told really reflects that. I will say that I think the book's main downfall is how detached it is from D/deaf culture, but considering the focus of the story being on her career as a percussionist, I think that would be hard to portray (but was still worthy of a note at the end, which it did not get).
Overall, this was a surprisingly well-done picture book biography of Evelyn Glennie, one that will resonate with lovers of music of all ages and abilities.
Listen is a really lovely picture book biography about the life of percussionist Evelyn Glennie. Glennie was a child music prodigy until she became deaf at the age of eight. She was told by virtually everyone that she would never be able to be a musician because of her deafness, but a dedicated music teacher helped her adapt her playing style to involve feeling the vibrations of the music with her body rather than with her hearing. Eventually she became one of the most renowned percussionists in the world. The narrative does a really good job of telling this story, there are lots of vivid sound words across the pages, and the illustrations are beautiful.
I always try to be cognizant of ableism whenever I pick up a book about disability or disabled people because so many books veer towards inspiration porn or pitying narratives, but I think this manages to avoid that pretty well. It's pretty clear that Glennie didn't have to "overcome" her disability or that "if she can do it, anyone can" but rather that Glennie was always able to play music and the only thing she had to overcome to do so was ableism. It's inspirational, but not in the way that disability narratives are spun as inspirational but in the classic kidlit "believe in yourself and you can achieve anything" sense. The author is not deaf, but she is a disabled musician, and I think that the way this story is told really reflects that. I will say that I think the book's main downfall is how detached it is from D/deaf culture, but considering the focus of the story being on her career as a percussionist, I think that would be hard to portray (but was still worthy of a note at the end, which it did not get).
Overall, this was a surprisingly well-done picture book biography of Evelyn Glennie, one that will resonate with lovers of music of all ages and abilities.
March 27, 2025
A spirited text and lively illustrations tell the story of Evelyn Glennie, a talented percussionist who is deaf. Imagine being able to tune an instrument based on where in one’s body one feels the vibrations. We may know intellectually that sound is vibration, but we rely on our ears. Imagine the perseverance required to convince the world that deafness does not preclude a successful career in music. Inspiring.
January 10, 2024
WOW. A very motivating book. Beside the beauty of its illustrations, this book really shows us that nothing can obstruct our dream. Nothing - even a disability. Evelyn proved that. And i know everyone can prove it as well. ✨
April 5, 2023
Lovely. Written with Glennie's help.
April 21, 2024
I had never heard of Evelyn Glennie before this book, but when I realized she was a real person, I immediately looked her up on Spotify and listened to her music while reading about it.
March 18, 2024
A wonderful inspiring book for kids!
June 21, 2022
Sometimes, it's the things we're told that we can't do which inspire us the most. Such is the inspiring message of this book, where a young girl going through the heart-breaking and tremendously stressful experience of losing her hearing is determined not to lose the one thing she loves--creating music. This book will not only inspire students to go after their dreams, but also open their eyes (and ears) to the physics of sound. As a science teacher, I love this book not only for its story and beautiful text, but also for the subject. In our state our students begin learning about sound and sound waves in elementary school, which lands LISTEN with an A++++
August 7, 2023
This book is gorgeous from the words to the illustrations. The text is rich, engaging and layered with emotion. The art is stunning and completely sweeps the reader away. Evelyn Glennie’s story is incredibly inspiring for all readers—young and old. I highly recommend this book for libraries, classrooms, and home collections alike.
March 28, 2022
A must-read for children, adults, educators, etc. who love or teach music (especially percussion).
May 4, 2022
Another delightfully illustrated and inspiring juvenile biography. Adults will be learning right alongside their kids.
April 17, 2023
I found this on a Mock Caldecott list. I'm so glad I did. There was so much I learned from this little book. This is a biography about Evelyn Glennie - a world famous percussionist who has been knighted, won grammies and had over 60 concerto's written for her alone. She was the first person to make a living as a solo percussionist. The big thing about Evelyn is she is deaf.
What??? How does that work? At 10 years old the nerves in her ears began to deteriorate and she was losing her ability to hear. She loved music and desperately wanted to be in Orchestra at school. She found a percussion teacher who need the teacher of the century award. He got her to listen in a new way. He asked her to listen with her body.
She figured out that her entire body can feel vibrations. Her whole body became a tympanic membrane and she figured out how sounds felt. With this, she made her own style. She played barefoot to hear the music. She lead the Olympic athletes in London. I mean, this woman has done so much.
I'm blown away by this story, by this person. Some people have a way of opening the world up to possibilities for people we simply can't imagine. These stories are inspiring. It does help one to realize that so many of the reasons we have for not doing something is the block inside our own head. The people who don't have these blocks can do amazing things.
The artwork was fantastic as well. The artwork brought the music off the page. It did a fantastic job and the color and beauty was amazing. I know I keep harping on this, but I feel this book is also better than the actual book that won the Caldecott. I'm disappointed in the winner. This could easily have been an honor book and should have been.
If you have kids, the should read this. This is about possibility and how if we want something we have to pursue it non-ceasing. This is an Amazing story.
What??? How does that work? At 10 years old the nerves in her ears began to deteriorate and she was losing her ability to hear. She loved music and desperately wanted to be in Orchestra at school. She found a percussion teacher who need the teacher of the century award. He got her to listen in a new way. He asked her to listen with her body.
She figured out that her entire body can feel vibrations. Her whole body became a tympanic membrane and she figured out how sounds felt. With this, she made her own style. She played barefoot to hear the music. She lead the Olympic athletes in London. I mean, this woman has done so much.
I'm blown away by this story, by this person. Some people have a way of opening the world up to possibilities for people we simply can't imagine. These stories are inspiring. It does help one to realize that so many of the reasons we have for not doing something is the block inside our own head. The people who don't have these blocks can do amazing things.
The artwork was fantastic as well. The artwork brought the music off the page. It did a fantastic job and the color and beauty was amazing. I know I keep harping on this, but I feel this book is also better than the actual book that won the Caldecott. I'm disappointed in the winner. This could easily have been an honor book and should have been.
If you have kids, the should read this. This is about possibility and how if we want something we have to pursue it non-ceasing. This is an Amazing story.
April 23, 2024
“shhh…listen.” Shannon Stocker tells the remarkable story of Evelyn Glennie, a deaf percussionist, in this biographical picture book. We follow Evelyn’s life as she faces obstacles and discrimination due to her disability. Yet she perseveres and overcomes these challenges with the support of those around her and her determination to make music.
Some of the themes present in this book are perseverance and family. We see how Evelyn's passion for music empowers her to overcome obstacles and find her own voice, despite the limitations her deafness may present. Other than her own will to succeed, her family supports her decisions and encourage to not settle for less than she hopes to accomplish.
Children reading this book are able to learn about such an inspiring woman. Her story teaches children of the importance of advocating for yourself. In order to get to where she is in life, Evelyn has had to advocate for her spot in the music world as a disabled person. Change starts with yourself, and Evelyn demonstrates that beautifully.
Stocker’s use of onomatopoeia and rhyme creates a rhythmic flow to the writing. The music sounds written throughout the book adds to the story’s overall musicality. The rhyming words beat like the percussion Evelyn plays so passionately. The writing is brilliant as it reflects the story being told in such creative ways with its use of figurative language.
Stocker makes a clear distinction in her author’s note by saying, “Evelyn hasn't achieved these successes because of her deafness. She's achieved them because of her talent.” It is this distinction that wows me and portrays anti bias perspectives. Evelyn is an inspiration because she fought for her place and exhibited her strength and power, regardless of her disability.
Some of the themes present in this book are perseverance and family. We see how Evelyn's passion for music empowers her to overcome obstacles and find her own voice, despite the limitations her deafness may present. Other than her own will to succeed, her family supports her decisions and encourage to not settle for less than she hopes to accomplish.
Children reading this book are able to learn about such an inspiring woman. Her story teaches children of the importance of advocating for yourself. In order to get to where she is in life, Evelyn has had to advocate for her spot in the music world as a disabled person. Change starts with yourself, and Evelyn demonstrates that beautifully.
Stocker’s use of onomatopoeia and rhyme creates a rhythmic flow to the writing. The music sounds written throughout the book adds to the story’s overall musicality. The rhyming words beat like the percussion Evelyn plays so passionately. The writing is brilliant as it reflects the story being told in such creative ways with its use of figurative language.
Stocker makes a clear distinction in her author’s note by saying, “Evelyn hasn't achieved these successes because of her deafness. She's achieved them because of her talent.” It is this distinction that wows me and portrays anti bias perspectives. Evelyn is an inspiration because she fought for her place and exhibited her strength and power, regardless of her disability.
February 11, 2023
After learning about Evelyn Glennie, I feel as if I must have been living under a rock not to know of her. With musical talent at a young age, she finds herself deaf as a child, and is told by the doctor that she will have to wear hearing aids and go to a school for the deaf. She didn't want to go to a school for the deaf, and thankfully, her father said that "she will do what she wants to do." Also, thank God for her teacher, Mr. Forbes, who sent her home from school with a drum and asked her: "How does a tractor feel?" She learned to listen differently, by feeling the sound vibrations in her body, without using her hearing aids. Many didn't believe that a deaf person could make a career out of being a musician, but she brought about change for people with disabilities as she demonstrated what she could do. After reading about this amazing percussionist, I want to look up her Grammy-winning songs, her playing aluminum bells at the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics in London in 2012, and her TED talk called How to Truly Listen. Her list of accomplishments is remarkable--nearly every superlative applies--and the author captures her personal uniquenesses as well, like the fact that she owns over 2000 instruments! The Author's Note in the back adds even more perspective. She quotes Evelyn Glennie as saying "Create your own story...You must make your own opportunities." I am inspired! (Great book; unsure if it would go over as a read aloud, as is often the case with these picture book bios that I love.)
February 15, 2023
2023 ALA Schneider award for young children
Evelyn Glennie played music with her parents as a chil, playing songs on the piano by ear at eight, playing the clarinet at ten, but then her hears hurt and she was told she’d need to wear hearing aids for the rest of her life, and that she needed to go to school for the deaf. Evelyn and her parents refused to send her away after elementary school. She went on to the Ellen Academy where she got caught up in the world of percussionists. There she was tested for her musical ability and scored poorly because they only tested her ears ability to listen not her heart or her body. Evelyn begged for percussion percussion lessons, and a teacher finally tested her ability to read music and play rhythm and found a way to teach her via a snare drum. She felt the vibrations of the music and could create extraordinary sounds, actually taking out her hearing aids so she could feel the vibrations through her feet and her body, Evelyn went on to be discriminated against for her disabilities and fighting for auditions to be heard and her ability is to be accepted. Her brain has learned to listen different
There after Evelyn entered competitions, one of the queens commendation for both music and app. The Demick excellence played the first solo, percussion concerto at the Royal Academy of music. Her career was one success after another, with television shows performing creating records to Grammies, performing in 40 countries, being knighted by the queen of England. She said, “losing my hearing, made me a better listener.”
Evelyn Glennie played music with her parents as a chil, playing songs on the piano by ear at eight, playing the clarinet at ten, but then her hears hurt and she was told she’d need to wear hearing aids for the rest of her life, and that she needed to go to school for the deaf. Evelyn and her parents refused to send her away after elementary school. She went on to the Ellen Academy where she got caught up in the world of percussionists. There she was tested for her musical ability and scored poorly because they only tested her ears ability to listen not her heart or her body. Evelyn begged for percussion percussion lessons, and a teacher finally tested her ability to read music and play rhythm and found a way to teach her via a snare drum. She felt the vibrations of the music and could create extraordinary sounds, actually taking out her hearing aids so she could feel the vibrations through her feet and her body, Evelyn went on to be discriminated against for her disabilities and fighting for auditions to be heard and her ability is to be accepted. Her brain has learned to listen different
There after Evelyn entered competitions, one of the queens commendation for both music and app. The Demick excellence played the first solo, percussion concerto at the Royal Academy of music. Her career was one success after another, with television shows performing creating records to Grammies, performing in 40 countries, being knighted by the queen of England. She said, “losing my hearing, made me a better listener.”
August 4, 2023
“Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion” is a biograph about Evelyn Glennie who was deaf, was able to change sound in percussion despite her being deaf and not hearing the sounds. It talks about even though she lost her hearing, she was able to still play music, and take on the drums full time, and defy the odds of never playing again. This is a biography genre, and award winner, Notable Children’s Books, and is the age range for all ages to see how she was able to make a difference. I listened to this story through Audiobook. The voice was very calming and had a bit of an accent to it. She used emotion in her voice and made sounds with enthusiasm when written in the book. I also noticed there was music being played during certain intervals. They made sense as when she started to lose her hearing, the music would start to disintegrate in the background until you were unable to hear it. Drums were played when it talked about her seeing and hearing the drums being played. I rated this book a 4-star book. I like the concept behind this book. It was very inspiring seeing someone trying to do something even though so many people told her she never would be able to do it. The pictures were also very good as they seemed to have a purpose and focus on the details. I would use this book in a classroom for a music lesson or a lesson about perseverance. This is a good book that children might enjoy as it talks about the fact that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
October 23, 2022
Shannon Stocker tells a story about Scottish, deaf percussionist Evelyn Glennie and how she had to push past barriers to become a renown musician.
At age 10, Evelyn's hearing became impaired, but she still wanted to take music classes at school. Specifically, she wanted to play percussion. Fortunately, she found a teacher who believed that Evelyn could use touch to feel the sound of percussion instruments. (I cried during this part of the book. Hooray for teachers who believe in their students!)
Evelyn had to audition twice at the Royal Academy of Music as a young adult because they initially rejected her--not because she was a poor percussionist but because they were prejudiced against a deaf musician. She finally prevailed.
She has gone on to be an internationally recognized musician with performances, recordings, interviews, and an interesting TedTalk (mentioned in the author's note in the back of the book).
The illustrations are expressive and full of movement. Devon Holzwarth really helps support Shannon's Stocker's writing.
The author's note in the bath indicates that Stocker herself is a musician with a physical challenge that some might judge as incompatible with playing music or writing books. Nevertheless, Stocker works around her Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, and admires Glennie for also rejecting limitations imposed by others.
The reading level seems appropriate for strong readers ages 9 to 12.
At age 10, Evelyn's hearing became impaired, but she still wanted to take music classes at school. Specifically, she wanted to play percussion. Fortunately, she found a teacher who believed that Evelyn could use touch to feel the sound of percussion instruments. (I cried during this part of the book. Hooray for teachers who believe in their students!)
Evelyn had to audition twice at the Royal Academy of Music as a young adult because they initially rejected her--not because she was a poor percussionist but because they were prejudiced against a deaf musician. She finally prevailed.
She has gone on to be an internationally recognized musician with performances, recordings, interviews, and an interesting TedTalk (mentioned in the author's note in the back of the book).
The illustrations are expressive and full of movement. Devon Holzwarth really helps support Shannon's Stocker's writing.
The author's note in the bath indicates that Stocker herself is a musician with a physical challenge that some might judge as incompatible with playing music or writing books. Nevertheless, Stocker works around her Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, and admires Glennie for also rejecting limitations imposed by others.
The reading level seems appropriate for strong readers ages 9 to 12.
April 12, 2023
Nonfiction Picture Book. This book was awarded the ALA Schneider Family Book Award and is also a nominee for our state student choice award, so I was excited to get the chance to read it. Evelyn Glennie is a Scottish percussion musician who is deaf. She was not born deaf, but gradually lost her hearing between 8 and 12. As a child who loved the piano and clarinet, she was determined to find a way to keep music in her life. She gravitated toward percussion but had to prove herself as many doubted that a deaf student could play music. But luckily one music teacher showed her how to hear the vibrations of the instruments with the rest of the body. Eventually Evelyn became the first full-time solo percussionist in the world and was knighted by the Queen of England.
I had not heard of Evelyn Glennie before but immediately went to listen to her music online. The music is beautiful and reminded me how much I love instrumental music. Evelyn's story is powerful with her message in the author's note telling readers "You cannot wait for things to happen to you. You must make your own opportunities." The illustrations are done primarily in a gray, yellow, red, and brown palette. The words of the music are in a stylized font, making them stand out. Back matter includes an author's note and source list.
I had not heard of Evelyn Glennie before but immediately went to listen to her music online. The music is beautiful and reminded me how much I love instrumental music. Evelyn's story is powerful with her message in the author's note telling readers "You cannot wait for things to happen to you. You must make your own opportunities." The illustrations are done primarily in a gray, yellow, red, and brown palette. The words of the music are in a stylized font, making them stand out. Back matter includes an author's note and source list.
June 7, 2024
This book is now in my hands, thanks to my deaf friend Joanne. No, she didn't give it to me, but she did give me a reason to buy it. You see, Joanne LOVES music. I was with her when a college student came up carrying a lyre (small harp). She let Joanne hold it and strum the strings. Words cannot describe the joy that came over my friend's face as she felt the vibrations coming from the instrument. Since that day I've wanted to buy her a small instrument of her own.
Recently I made the choice and the purchase. I decided on a kalimba. When ordering it, I stumbled across the listing for this book. After reading the preview and Evelyn's bio, I knew that this book belonged in my home library. It arrived recently, and tonight I sat down to read it.
One thing that impressed me was the simple complexity of the language. Though written for a child to understand, yet the book didn't seem oversimplified for me as an adult reader. And the artwork is stunning! I myself am a musician, and I could almost hear the music coming out of the pages through the vehicles of both the writing and the art.
I recommend this book for deaf children, friends of deaf children, parents of deaf children, aspiring musicians, music teachers, or anyone who needs to be reminded that they CAN do what they set out to do, regardless of who is telling them they can't.
Recently I made the choice and the purchase. I decided on a kalimba. When ordering it, I stumbled across the listing for this book. After reading the preview and Evelyn's bio, I knew that this book belonged in my home library. It arrived recently, and tonight I sat down to read it.
One thing that impressed me was the simple complexity of the language. Though written for a child to understand, yet the book didn't seem oversimplified for me as an adult reader. And the artwork is stunning! I myself am a musician, and I could almost hear the music coming out of the pages through the vehicles of both the writing and the art.
I recommend this book for deaf children, friends of deaf children, parents of deaf children, aspiring musicians, music teachers, or anyone who needs to be reminded that they CAN do what they set out to do, regardless of who is telling them they can't.
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