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Reviews
Ada's Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay by Susan Hood, Sally Wern Comport
jennymock's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you, Susan Hood, for bringing this true, inspirational story of ingenuity and the ability of some of the world's poorest people to overcome and move beyond the boundaries given to them by society. The artwork stands on its own for its depth and beauty. The Recycled Orchestra of Cateura is definitely worth further inquiry and support. What kind off world would this be without dreamers like Favio Chavez who saw opportunity for local youth in the landfill and without the talents of craftsmen like carpenter Nicolas Gomez.
just_tina's review against another edition
My focus for this book is a text to world connection, though I experienced many others as I was reading the story. Ada was one of the main characters in this story, and her story reminded me of another musician's story. Ada came from a poverty stricken town. Through music, she was able to have many opportunities that she never would have had otherwise. She was able to travel. She was able to make more money than she had in her hometown. I hope this doesn't sound too silly, but an artist I know about who had a similar experience is the rapper Eminem. I am using this comparison because I have not seen or known Eminem personally, but I know his story is something that has happened in the world. He was a blue collar worker from Detroit raised in a poor family. He worked in a car factory, and he did not see a way to help himself and his family. He then started rapping even though people laughed, made fun of him, and had no faith in him. Ada and her recycled orchestra were not viewed as serious musicians at first either. Due to both Eminem's and Ada's perseverance, they found success and bettered their lives.
A text to self comparison I found in the story was the recyling aspect. My family and I used to recycle cans for money when we were younger. The difference was that we simply collected our own and walked around the neighborhood picking up cans that were littered. However, there was an elderly homeless lady that habitually went around to the trashcans of public places to collect cans. When I was little and saw her doing that at the library, I didn't understand what she was looking for in the trash until my mom told me.
Another text to self comparison I thought of was that garbage sometimes has some hidden treasures. This children's book mentioned characters finding appliances, toys, perfumes, antique watches and jewelry. My cousin worked as a garbage man for a while, and he told our family a lot about the random things that he had seen being thrown away. He often saw appliances, furniture, and VHS tapes.
A text to self comparison I found in the story was the recyling aspect. My family and I used to recycle cans for money when we were younger. The difference was that we simply collected our own and walked around the neighborhood picking up cans that were littered. However, there was an elderly homeless lady that habitually went around to the trashcans of public places to collect cans. When I was little and saw her doing that at the library, I didn't understand what she was looking for in the trash until my mom told me.
Another text to self comparison I thought of was that garbage sometimes has some hidden treasures. This children's book mentioned characters finding appliances, toys, perfumes, antique watches and jewelry. My cousin worked as a garbage man for a while, and he told our family a lot about the random things that he had seen being thrown away. He often saw appliances, furniture, and VHS tapes.
allissa125's review against another edition
5.0
A beautifully illustrated glimpse into life in a landfill and the musical beauty that can be found among the trash.
jenmat1197's review against another edition
4.0
This is the true story of a little girl who grew up in Cateura, Paraguay, in a landfill. She always wanted to play the violin, but in this part of the world, a violin would cost more than a house. One day, a music teacher named Favio Chavez came to the area. He brought with him the few instruments he had. Not enough to go around, he - and the folks in the landfill - went through the trash and found what they needed to make various instruments. Thus, the Recycled Orchestra was born. The children practiced for hours a day and now they travel the world as an orchestra inspiring everyone.
It is truly amazing what they were able to create out of trash. My parents are music teachers, and I grew up in a world surrounded by expensive instruments, concerts, and full orchestras. When I saw this video for the first time, I was blown away by the sound that came out of the instruments that were made from trash in the landfill. Even my kids, when they watched the children play were astounded.
A wonderful, inspiring tale, it is one for the shelf. For sure. It is beautifully illustrated and well written. This is a story for all ages.
It is truly amazing what they were able to create out of trash. My parents are music teachers, and I grew up in a world surrounded by expensive instruments, concerts, and full orchestras. When I saw this video for the first time, I was blown away by the sound that came out of the instruments that were made from trash in the landfill. Even my kids, when they watched the children play were astounded.
A wonderful, inspiring tale, it is one for the shelf. For sure. It is beautifully illustrated and well written. This is a story for all ages.
compass_rose's review against another edition
4.0
Inspiring. Love the illustrations and how well the go with the story.
amysutton's review against another edition
4.0
I thought this was really cool. The kids were a bit bored. Cool art.
linyarai's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.5