Definition:

To be hopeful means to believe that something good can happen, even when it doesn’t look like it, or when it turns out differently than expected.

In short:

Believe that something good can happen.

Summary:

This story is based on the life of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a famous Cuban woman drummer. A short biography at the end of the book describes how Millo pioneered women’s drumming in Cuba, where only men were allowed to play drums. Because of her persistence and talent, she was given an opportunity that no woman had ever had. At age 10, in 1932, she performed with her sisters in Cuba’s first all-girl dance band. At 15, she played at President Franklin Roosevelt’s birthday bash in New York. Millo followed her dream amid lots of resistance, and achieved great fame because she took a chance and never gave up. 

Lesson Objectives: 

1. The teacher will lead children in a vision board project in which students draw or cut pictures out of magazines that illustrate their dreams. Students present their vision boards and talk about their dreams. 

Guiding Questions: 

1.  “How one girl’s courage changed music” - this is the subtitle of this book. What do you think it means?
2. Do you hear music in your head? If so, please share what you hear.
3. What did you learn about life in the country of Cuba after reading this book?
4. Do you think it was fair that girls weren’t allowed to play drums in Cuba? Why or why not?
5. What happened that changed the rules and gave the girl the permission to play drums? 
6. Do you think it took courage for the drummer girl to not give up on her dream? Why or why not? 
7. Is there something you really want to do, but it looks like it would be difficult? What’s in the way? 
8. Is there anyone who could help you with your dreams? Who is it and what could you say to get them to help you? 
9. Do you play a musical instrument or do you like to sing? If not, would you like to learn? 
10. Ask your parents to sing their favorite song, or if they play an instrument, to play their favorite song.