AUTHOR: MARGARITA ENGLE

ILLUSTRATOR: RAFAEL LO’PEZ

DESCRIPTION: The story of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga and her quest to play the instrument she loved despite the ban because she was a girl. 

WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: The idea of a girl drum player may be unusual in some parts but is definitely a known commodity on the island of Cuba. However, this was not always the case and the cause for this timely story told with authenticity and joy by author Margarita Engle. Milo Castro Zaldarrigaga did not discourage easily and girls all over her country still benefit from her achievement. Who knew that a young girl from an island nation would one day play the drums in an all girl band for the president of the United States! Rafael Lo’pez’s graphic illustrations light up this story with color and energy reminiscent of the way Millo performed. You’ll find your toes tapping a conga beat as you share this marvelous and inspirational story with young readers! Play Millo, play!

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