A take on beating to the tune of your own drum.....literally!! It's also a fun look into a different culture honoring its heritage ( )

I would recommend this book for students who are in the middle of elementary school. This book tells the story of a Japanese girl who is trying to find a hobby with the help of her grandfather to be able to perform in her towns festival. This would be good in a classroom because it shows different cultures and shows students that it is ok to not fully know what their hobbies or interests are yet because they have time to find these. It also shows the importance of family and tradition by having her perform in the festival and having her grandfather support her in this.

This book is good for a primary age group. It explores various aspects of Japanese culture through the lens of an exuberant young girl. I would have this in my classroom both to interest kids in the culture, and to encourage loud, enthusiastic kids that they'll find their place.

I originally selected this book for an upcoming, diversity-themed storytime. However, as I picked it up to read, I realized the author was white. There's nothing wrong with this, but I feel like it waters down the diversity aspect.

It's a good read and children will enjoy it. ( )

Natsumi, a young Japanese girl, is a very active child who is always being told she is doing too much, too hard and too loud. As she and her family are preparing for the Japanese Art Festival Natsumi tried everything that her family was practicing for the festival but she did it too fast, too hard, and too loud. Natsumi was beginning to feel disappointed in herself as she felt like she couldn't do anything right. Her grandpa tells her she just has to find the right thing. Her grandpa brings her home late from school for the next few weeks and her parents begin to question what is going on but Natsumi and her grandpa won't ruin the surprise. As her family gleefully performs in the art festival, Natusumi and her grandpa are no where to be found when suddenly the mayor says there is one more surprise to end the festival. He opens the curtain and reveals the taiko drummers with Natsumi being the smallest of them all! With her taiko drumming Natsumi can pound hard, be fast and loud. She has finally found what she is great at and enjoys!!! This is a great book for children to realize that regardless of being told they are doing too much there is always something they are perfect at! They just have to persevere and try new things. This is also a great introduction into Japanese culture and the Japanese art festival. ( )