Tracy Howse

Music & Dance

Ada’s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay
By Susan Hood
Illustrated by Sally Wern Comport
Simon and Shuster Books for Young Readers, 2016
Historical Fiction (based on true story of The Recycled Orchestra)

“The world sends us garbage. We send back music.” This is a

story about a young group of kids living in Cateura. They dreamed
of being in an orchestra and learning instruments, but their
community did not have the resources. Dedicated to their goal,
they used the trash from the nearby landfill to create instruments
and fill the world with music. The stunning illustrations are a
hybrid of collages, acrylic glazes and paints, drawings, and digital
mediums.
K-5

Arroz Con Leche: Popular Songs and Rhymes

from Latin America
Selected and illustrated by Lulu Delacre
English lyrics by Elena Paz
Musical Arrangements by Ana-Maria Rosado
Scholastic Paperbacks, 1992
Poetry

This bilingual book is a collection of traditional Latin

American songs and rhymes. The rhymes are paired with
beautiful images that allow students to visualize the songs.
Delacre also adds context to the stories, such as origins or
traditional hand motions.
Pk-5

Balarama: A Royal Elephant

By Ted and Betsy Lewin
Lee & Low, 2009
Autobiography

Ted and Betsy Lewin traveled to southern India to see the Royal
Elephant. This majestic animal leads the procession on Dasara, a festival
celebrated each fall. Upon learning the previous elephant has passed
away, they get to witness a new elephant’s care and training as they
prepare for the big festival.
3-5
 Howse 2

Coco
Adapted by Adrian Molina
Illustrated by Fabiola Garza
A Golden Book, 2017
Modern Fantasy

Miguel dreams of being a famous musician like Ernesto de la

Cruz, despite his family’s hatred of music. On Dia de los
Muertos, he travels to the Land of the Dead for a family
blessing. Along the way, he meets his relatives and reconnects
with his living family.
Pk-1

Firebird: Ballerina Misty Copeland Shows a

Young Girl How to Dance Like the Firebird
By Misty Copeland
Illustrated by Christopher Myers
Penguin Group, 2014
Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Misty Copeland tells her story to a young black girl

who wants to dance. This girl feels she will never
achieve greatness like the American Ballet Theatre
soloist. Misty Copeland tells her to be dedicated to her
work and devoted to the art. The poetic language of the
book is full of empowerment and female strength.
Pk-3

Katie Woo: Daddy Can’t Dance

By Fran Manushkin
Illustrated by Tammie Lyon
Picture Window Books, 2018
Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Katie Woo and her father are invited to a daddy-daughter dance.

Although she is excited to go, her dad keeps stepping on her toes
while they practice. She has some difficulty preparing for the dance,
resulting in problem solving and decision making. This short chapter
book shows students a look into family interaction and dancing.
K-3
 Howse 3

K-Pop: Korea’s Musical Explosion

By Stuart A. Kallen
Twenty-First Century Books, 2014
Informational

This chapter book outlines the history of K-Pop from the 1960s to
modern day. A popular South Korean genre, K-Pop has become
influential in music around the world. The text focuses on the most
prominent musicians and uses riveting visuals to bring the music to life.
Each chapter ends with a discography of the songs from the chapter.
4-8

Like a Bird: The Art of the American Slave Song

By Cynthia Grady
Illustrated by Michele Wood
Millerbook Press, 2016
Informational

This book teaches history through slave songs, gospels, and

spirituals. Students are presented with the original songs,
gorgeous illustrations, historical photos, and background
knowledge. The images are beautiful acrylic paintings that
present the daily lives of slaves, whereas the photographs
(courtesy of the Library of Congress) show children the real
context of these photos. Also included are musical
engravings that allow the reader to sing along.
2-5

Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress

By Christine Baldacchino
Illustrated by Isabelle Malenfant
Groundwood Books, 2014
Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Morris is a boy with a great imagination and loves to do a variety of

activities including singing and dancing. He particularly loves to wear his
tangerine dress and use his imagination. Although some other kids do not
understand his choice in clothing, he shows them that he is a good friend
and a great playmate.
K-3
 Howse 4

Moses Goes to a Concert

By Isaac Millman
Frances Foster Books, 1998
Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Moses loves playing percussion and taking off his shoes to feel the
vibrations. His class goes on a field trip where they see an orchestra.
Throughout the performance, they hold balloons to feel the
vibrations. Afterwards, they meet up with a professional
percussionist who is also deaf. The story is told through pictures,
written English, and American Sign Language (ASL). Along with
the beautiful story, this book also gives students an introduction into
signing.

Music Everywhere
By Maya Ajmera, Elise Hofer Derstine, and Cynthia Pon
Charlesbridge, 2014
Informational

This book shows photographs from around the world as

students make music. Some are dancing, singing, clapping,
and playing instruments. The text also includes a map of
where these kids are celebrating music and a glossary of
terms to know. This detailed text introduces kids to a wide
variety of music.
Pk-3

Sebi and the Land of Cha Cha Cha

By Roselyn Sanchez & Eric Winter
Illustrated by Nivea Ortiz
Penguin Random House, 2017
Modern Fantasy

It is El Carnaval Latino and Sebi wants to join on

the music and dancing. Although her mother does not
think she is old enough to begin dance lesson, Cotorra
birds and their animal friends teach her. These vibrant,
mixed-media visuals give children a chance to see how to
start dancing. This story of magic and movement is sure
to excite young readers.
Pk-3