HANA HASHIMOTO, SIXTH VIOLIN by Chieri Uegaki & Illustrated by Qin Leng

Uegaki, Chieri. Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin. Illustrated by Qin Leng.  Toronto: Kids Can Press. 2014. ISBN 9781894786331

Two of my children participated in Suzuki violin lessons when they were 3-6 years old.  This method of teaching music was inspired by the late Japanese educator, Shinichi Suzuki, and the warm memories of that experience drew me to Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin. As I got into the story, I discovered another personal connection.  Hana is inspired to play violin by the memories of her grandfather’s playing.  I too had a granddad who played violin professionally.  By the time I was born, he no longer played as his profession, but I loved it when he would play just for me and my sister.

In Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin, Hana is determined to play violin for the school talent show even though she has only had three lessons.  Remembering my own children’s ability after three lessons, I would have been tempted to throw a wet blanket on the idea like her brothers do, prophesying in blunt sibling insensitivity that she will “be a disaster!”  But undaunted and driven by the inspiration of her grandfather’s beautiful playing, she pursues and practices.  The night of the show, stage fright sets in as she waits for her turn.  She is the sixth violinist to perform.  The end will surprise you and charm you.

Chieri Uegaki is a Japanese Canadian, and her Japanese heritage is clear throughout the book.  Names give us our first taste of the Japanese heritage.  Hashimoto, Keni, Koji, Kyoto, and Ojiichan jump out in the first three pages.  Mention of the Imperial Family is another clue.  Everyday items like the shoji screen doors, tatami mats, and buckwheat pillow let us know for certain that Hana is visiting her grandfather in Japan.  These cultural markers lend the authenticity that you would expect from this IBBY Award winner. 

The illustrator, Qin Leng, was born in Shanghai, but settled in Montreal.  She is the daughter of an artist and finds artistic expression second nature.  She uses expressive drawings from several interesting angles and distances to capture the moments of comfort, joy, humiliation, fear, courage, and confidence.  The bright and distinct colors of her digitally colored pencil drawings communicate the youth and innocence of the main character.

In addition to being IBBY winner for 2015 and on the USBBY honor list, Hana Hashimoto has garnered about a dozen other prestigious awards including the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature.  Given the personal connection I already feel with this book, I will want to share it with my Kindergarten students.  The biggest decision will be deciding when to introduce it.  I always take my grandfather’s violin to school when we feature the letter V.  I could introduce it then or when we do letter H for Hana Hashimoto.  Music, concert ediquette, family relationships, and performance emotions are all discussion starters found in this little gem. I agree with the  Kirkus review that “This sweet multicultural story will resonate with anyone who has experienced stage fright, but Hana’s achievement will be particularly satisfying to young string players who have made some unusual music themselves.”