By Shannon Stocker, illustrated by Devon Holzwarth
Dial Books for Young Readers, 2022
Picture book, 40 pages, ages 4-8
From the moment Evelyn heard her first note, music held her heart. She played piano and clarinet at an early age, but then her ears began to hurt. The audiologist told her parents that she would gradually lose her hearing and that she would never be able to play music. But Evelyn wouldn’t let deafness keep her from making music. She learned to listen in different ways, vibrations resonating through her entire body, not just her ears. This picture book biography tells the story of Evelyn Glennie, a Grammy Award-winning deaf percussionist who made history by forging her own path and listening in her own way.
A heartwarming true story about overcoming obstacles and marching to the beat of your own drum.
This biography is lovingly told, descriptively and optimistically written. Though at times the pacing slows (part of the reason why this isn’t a 5-star read for me), overall the story is engaging and will hold the attention of most young readers.
The artwork is richly textured and expressive, with sweeping brush strokes that illustrate different kinds of sound. Color and line are expertly employed to add life to the story and create atmosphere.
Will kids like this book? There is much to admire in Evelyn Glennie’s story. Deaf readers and those with disabilities will resonate with Evelyn’s experiences and find her success inspiring. All readers can relate to the positive message repeated throughout the book: listen, and you can create your own story, even if it seems impossible.
This book can also be utilized in lesson plans and schooling. For example, in subjects such as trailblazing women, disabled role models, people who successfully overcame roadblocks to reach their dreams, historical figures, music, music history, and more.
An author’s note at the back of the book provides additional value, along with a list of references.
Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, A Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion by Shannon Stocker received 5 stars from this reviewer.