Teresa Carreo's Performance of the Piano for President Lincoln: A Story of Musical Artistry

Mrs. Ege: This is a must have book for any classroom and home, love it!

United States on Jul 21, 2023

MAMA: I purchased this to share with my students. It was a pleasure to read to them in honor of National Hispanic American Heritage month. Beautiful story and illustrations.

United States on Nov 03, 2022

Jason S.: The illustrations are beautiful, and the story shows the kids "they can do it too!"

United States on Aug 04, 2022

Chom: Une tres belle histoire qui nous apprendre que la musique nourri l'ame et le coeur!

Canada on Jan 31, 2022

Billie: This is a well written biography about the child prodigy Teresa Carreno from Venezuela. Her piano playing brought joy not only to herself but also to many others in many countries. President Abraham Lincoln, who was mourning the loss of a son, invited her to play for him at the White House.
The illustrations by Rafael Lopez are warm, vibrant and exquisite. They compliment the text instead of overpowering it. The two seem to flow together like harmony and melody.
In the text by Margarita Engle there are many analogies to music, nature and human feelings. I think this makes the book special. The author highlights the struggles and successes of Teresas' life in a clear and straightforward poetic manner which I think is age appropriate for youngsters 6 to 10 years of age.
This is a stunning and informative book that would do well to be in any library ( school, home, or public). It certainly has its place in my home library.

United States on Dec 11, 2021

Claire Annette Noland: This is such a beautiful book! Not only does DANCING HANDS introduce a Teresa Carreno, a Venezuelan musician, but it shows an intimate time in Abraham Lincoln’s life when he is grieving the death of his son while trying to abolish slavery. Poet Margarita Engle’s language soars in phrases including:
"hymns that shimmered like hummingbirds,"
"clouds that bucked and kicked across the wild sky like angry mules,"
"and notes that rose, swayed, rippled, and dipped like a bird in a blue sky above a green forest."

The illustrations, painted Rafael López, are the perfect accompaniment for the rich language in this biography. The mixed-media illustrations use color to evoke the beauty of Venezuela, the dark despair of the United States at war, and the joy of music which swirls across the pages. This is a book that will inspire everyone who reads it.

United States on Nov 18, 2019