"From then on, there was something new in the air in Cateura. Gancheros trudging home from the landfill might lift their heads to hear the sounds of Ada's violin...."
Ages: 4 - 8
Grade Level: Preschool - 3
Location: Cateura, Paraguay
Pages: 40
Meet Ada Ríos, a girl growing up in one of Paraguay's poorest slums and the capital's main garbage dump - Cateura. Every morning, her family went to work among the trash - searching for anything of value to recycle and sell. It's hard work for little pay and Ada can't help but wonder about the future that awaits her and her sister. Then, one day, an advertisement appeared on a wall: "Violin, guitar, cello taught Saturdays at 8:00 am. - Favio Chávez." For Ada, and many other children, life would never be the same again. With unique illustrations (that combine collage, acrylic glaze, drawings, and digital media), Ada's Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra by Susan Hood shares how one man's compassion for children created an orchestra that transformed the lives of those who became a part of it.
I highly encourage you read the "Author's Note" in the back since it retells the tale in more detail and describes the impact of the Recycled Orchestra. There is also a "Websites" and "Videos" list included in the back as well as two photographs of the Orchestra and their instruments.
Resources:
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Content Warnings
Content that some individuals may find controversial or objectionable. Attention was given to include content which may offend people of a particular culture, race or religion and details which the sensitive child may find unsettling or troublesome.
"No Spoilers" offers a summary of content issues while avoiding spoilers. "With Spoilers" lists the potential content issues in detail.
No Spoilers:
The difficult existence of the gancheros, gang fights, and threat of violence is mentioned.
With Spoilers:
+Other
The harsh reality of the gancheros is described as "...the noisy, stinking, sweltering slum was not the most nurturing neighborhood."
Child labor and long work days are described in the "Author's Note."
+Violence
Passing mention of older kids forming gangs and fighting.
Passing mention that it was not safe to be seen with expensive instruments.
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