The committee was impressed by the coordination of the expressive art and lyrical text to depict Evelyn Glennie’s perseverance in expanding access to music education 

-Schneider Family Book Award, Susan Hess and Mary-Kate Sableski, co-chairs

​

The illustrations of music, sound, and rhythm in this biography of a famous percussionist almost seem to boom in your ears as you read this; seeing sound through your eyes seems appropriate in this book about a deaf musician. Glennie had to relearn how to experience music after losing most of her hearing as a child, and then she had to teach a lot of people to judge her by her ability, not by her label. The story of Evelyn Glennie’s career works both as a fascinating introduction to a talented performer (look up some of her work!) and also to the need to look past assumptions about someone’s capabilities to see the individual with their unique perspective and skills. 

-Cybils Reviewer, Beth Mitcham, Library Chicken

​

Does a fantastic job of making sound come alive on the page...A fantastic book.

-Book Riot

​

This beautiful picture book biography celebrates the many ways we can listen—and the incredible creativity of this pioneering artist.

-A Mighty Girl

​

Perfect for elementary school readers learning about music and fascinating women. . . . This is more than a story of overcoming discrimination due to disability—Stocker captures something about the artist’s need to be herself, regardless of abilities. . . . Lush brushstrokes, delicate character portraits, and warm colors make this a beautiful title to explore, and the ample text and sweet author’s note ensure that Glennie’s story will have an impact on readers. . . . Excellent . . . especially for musical readers looking to feel the music and not just hear it.” 

-School Library Journal

​

This...fun rhyming addition to elementary libraries and classrooms will guarantee laughs as a read-aloud and will teach a lesson in cooperation and respect and give some pointers on how to apologize.

-School Library Journal

​

Radiant.

-Publisher's Weekly

​

This...fun rhyming addition to elementary libraries and classrooms will guarantee laughs as a read-aloud and will teach a lesson in cooperation and respect and give some pointers on how to apologize.

-School Library Journal

​

An intriguing, lovely biography.

-Kirkus

​

Evelyn Glennie not only challenges the traditional role of a percussionist but what it means to listen to music. . . . Lyrical text [and] expressive swirls of vibrant colors throughout evoke the sounds Evelyn’s body feels and the beautiful music she creates in return.

-Booklist

​

Engaging text [and] vibrant illustrations, which effectively use color and pattern and movement to represent sound. An author’s note provides more information about this remarkable musician’s work.

-The Horn Book