Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music Audio CD – CD, May 24, 2016

Beautiful story on a girl who wanted to play drums and had to go against cultural norms to do so.Just so you know, I am not a big fan of feminist pushing books. I don't like books that advance women at the expense of men or the attacking of men (or visa versa for that matter). But the great news is that this book does none of those things. The girl pursues her drum dream respectfully. She only takes lessons once her father approves and only performs once her teacher approves. At the end of the book, it also says both boys and girls should be allowed to pursue their dreams. Therefore, I feel this book did feminism beautifully right and in a wonderfully balanced way. I have no qualms reading this book to my drum playing boys.

I really love this story! I am a percussionist and have had varied challenges with playing within a system that encourages "men" to play and women to "dance." I am also a dancer however I like to dance and drum. I have read this story to several groups of students in music classes as well as in general education classes. It allows a teacher to build it into a curriculum that promotes courage, uniqueness, and culture. This book is also great for homeschooling, and just pleasure reading. I love this story and the fact that it is based on a true story. Cuddos to the author and illustrator. Well worth your investment.

An amazing book for readers of all ages. I read it with my kids ages 9 and 4, they loved not only the story, but also the illustrations. A few days later, my 4-year -old told me, "Mom, I dreamed of the Drum Dream Girl! I was playing the drums!" This book is important not only for its beautiful prose and appealing art, but also to remember how women were not allowed to follow their dreams at certain point of our history.

A delightful treat for change of view on Girls and the perception of instruments being limited to boys. I love the integration of such bold eye catching illustrations richly colorful and detailed. Imagination being the focus and achieving dreams despite cultural obstacles is a wonderful message.

I bought this book for my 2.5 yr old daughter and she absolutely loves this book and has asked to read it for bedtime every night for about 2 months now. She can also recite verbatim the first half of the book now. There are certain repetitive phrases that she also loves saying "big, round silvery moon-bright timbales." It's so fun to hear her recite it from memory. And I appreciate the multi-cultural theme that underscores this book as well. Overall, an interesting, aspirational book about a little girl's dream and how she achieved it.

I love this book. I checked it out in the library and my son and I re read it many many time. And then I ordered several copies to give as gifts to my friends kids.

Very simple book but wonderful message of a strong girl changing her world. Good for 4-5 year olds who think drumming is cool.

Inspiring story of determination. Should be read to any child as an example of life's reward for unwavering determination, and joy in what you do.

This book is based on the story of Chinese-African-Cuban girl Millo Castro Zaldarriaga who was discouraged from pursuing music in Cuba because drums were just for boys. The colours are absolutely radiant and the story is strongly told. Useful notes at the back inform us that not only did Zaldarriaga get to play, she got to play for US president Roosevelt. This would be a wonderful book to have at home but also for use in school for thinking about endurance and facing up to prejudice.

My little guy loves this book and I love the message that both boys & girls can follow their dreams!The illustrations are just beautiful.

My students loved this book. It is a great story to introduce Cuban music to the class.

A Wonderful book about with breathe taking illustrations and talking about gender inequality and how does she come over it.

Beautiful book!!