Today A Field Trip Life is traveling to Cuba and I’m excited share to share a just released picture book that is set in that island nation.
Drum Dream Girl
How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music
By Margarita Engle (author) and Rafael Lopez (illustrator)
Drum Dream Girl is the colorful and poetic story of a young girl who wanted to play drums. Unfortunately, girls in 1930’s Cuba were not allowed to play drums because everyone believed that only boys should play them. But, the drum dream girl dreamed of bongo drums, congo drums, and timbales day and night. Everywhere the drum dream girl went, she listened to not only the drum beats but the beats of carnival dancers on stilts, the clack of woodpecker beaks and the tap of her own footsteps. She tapped out rhythms with her fingers and finally dared to play the drums. Her musician sisters were thrilled and invited her to join their band. But, their father said no. The drum dream girl did not give up and was finally was able to realize her dream of becoming a drummer. Drum Dream Girl was inspired by the story of Chinese-African-Cuban Millo Castro Zaldarriaga who fought traditional taboos and became a drummer. She played with her sisters in an all-girl band and eventually became a world famous musician.
Don’t you think the illustrations are beautiful?
This is a book meant to be read aloud. The words sing from the page with the beat of drums and the tropical illustrations transport the reader to the island of Cuba. The drum dream girl’s courage and persistence in following her dreams is a message of hope and encouragement to all those who are trying to achieve their goals.
I thought you might enjoy this book trailer for Drum Dream Girl:
Margarita knows how to play with sounds when she writes. I agree that it’s a lovely and inspirational book. Great choice for the letter C, Claire. See you tomorrow.
Margarita’s writing is beautiful. In each of her books I am absolutely transported to the places she writes about. They are perfect books for armchair travel. I’ve always wanted to go to Cuba and now I want to go even more after reading her books. Maybe we could go together now that you are in Florida.
I know! My absolute favorite is The Firefly Letters. Tropical Secrets lured me in to Margarita’s world.
What a heartwarming story. Thank you Claire and Congratulations to Margarita. I look forward to reading it.
Thanks for traveling with me through books, Trine. Margarita’s books are amazing – she is such an inspiration!
oh that is so ADORABLE!! I say you and i plan a field trip to Cuba next year!
Great idea! Wouldn’t it be cool to get Margarita to be our guide?
Thank you for this lovely review!
Hello margarita,
Thank you for writing this wonderful book!
Love the pictures! Beautiful book.