Review
"When I saw the age group for this book, 7-12 years old, I sat down with both of my daughters, and we read it together. They loved it. I loved, it. It teaches young kids why they should never, ever, give up. This is a must read for the entire family." -- The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television.
"Molly draws on her inner strength--and years of practice--to play the concert of her young life." -- Strings Magazine.
"I enjoyed it very much and so did my 7-year-old granddaughter." -- Musical Opinion, Britain's oldest classical music magazine.
"It is actually and illustrated chapter book....The prose flows like soft music. Not just for violinists--a nice addition to any home." -- Violin and Books.
"A complete delight...beautifully told...lessons to be learned. Full-page color illustrations are enchanting." -- Stringendo, Australian Strings Association.
"...a wonderful read ... touches on bravery and the need to have confidence in ourselves and ... gender stereotypes...." --
Childhood Education magazine, Spring 2008"...knows how to touch the heart of a child ... 7-12 (or even a precocious six-year old ... a sheer delight." --
The California Music Teacher magazine, Spring 2006 The California Music Teacher magazine, Spring 2006"Fourth grade students found the book so appealing, they decided to ask [the author] to visit the school." --
Crescendo newsletter, The Music Educators Association, Winter, 2005"Highly recommended." --
Crescendo newspaper, Toronto Musician's Association, Winter 2006 Crescendo newspaper, Toronto Musician's Association"[Molly] proves her courage in a society still dismissive of female talent." --
Symphony magazine, September 2004 Symphony magazine, September 2004
From the Publisher
Molly's story is simply told but filled with subtleties that children will appreciate on different levels as they grow (from ages 7-12), helped along by 14 dramatic full-page illustrations. One example is the way a music teacher who doesn't accept girl students (the story takes place in the 19th century) becomes Molly's advocate.
Parents (and teachers) will appreciate one point in particular: There's no magic wand, rather it's "practice" that enables Molly to perfect her skill. But the book does highlight the magic of music.
