Ada's Violin

By Susan Hood, Sally Wern Comport (Illustrator)

A landfill town's children create music from trash, transforming their lives and spreading hope worldwide.

5.7/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,153 ratings

40 pages· 1,265 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In a Paraguayan town built on a landfill, young Ada Ríos dreams of playing the violin. With no money for instruments, hope seems lost until music teacher Favio Chávez arrives. He crafts violins from trash, sparking a musical revolution. As the Recycled Orchestra gains global attention, Ada and her community discover the power of innovation and resilience. Can music truly change lives? Explore the journey of a girl, a visionary, and an orchestra that defies the odds.

From the publisher

A town built on a landfill. A community in need of hope. A girl with a dream. A man with a vision. An ingenious idea.

Awards

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2017)Americas Award (2017)

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 40
Words: 1,265
Reading age: 4–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: 820L

Themes & topics

Books about financial difficulty Books about recycling Books about music Books about musical instruments Books about performing arts

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.7

out of 7

5.3

“This is a beautifully told true story about a creative music teacher, a little girl with a dream, and the potential that exists beneath the surface in the most unlikely places... even a heap of trash. While it's perhaps a little long and a little deep for a very young audience, it is very accessible for children with an ~10 minute attention span and is told in a way that gives them a glimpse into the poverty Ada and her town were experiencing at a very appropriate level.”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

6.0

“I love this book! It has something for everyone- invention, music, and more. It is a deep book that talks about poverty and the struggles of growing up in a lower-income area. However, Ada is an amazing example of someone who doesn't let life happen to her, but does what she needs to create the life she wants. I would read this story even without my little one, as it is just a story that reaches the heart and helps us all take a deeper look into our lives.”

The Fun Uncle

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one