I really enjoyed this book. I liked the way the author made the characters Tia and Miss Hartwell learn to care for one another. Simple acts such as rubbing each other’s tired hands with warm salt water made them friends. “’A friend of mine taught me this trick,’ Miss Hartwell said, gently rubbing Tia’s hands with the warm cloth.” I also like how the author used the character Johnny as an antagonist who showed the opposition against friendships between the wealthy white folk and the poor African Americans of the time. “All white people’s money is the same. I don’t care which ones I get it from.” This story teaches us that the love of music can bring even the youngest and oldest generations together. ( )

The book is about a girl who loves music and ends up working for an old lady, and they grow a great relationship, taking care of each other and looking up for each other
Ages 6-8
Pierce College Library

Its about a little girl who loves music and meets an old lady for a job. The little girl starts playing the piano and gets to the know the old lady well. They take care of each other well.

Set in the south in the early 1900's, a young black girl who loves music finds herself in the white part of town after following the sounds of beautiful music she had never heard before. She ends up at Miss Hartwell's doorstep where she takes a job cleaning floors just to be able to listen to the music. She discovers the piano and is immediately intrigued by it. A friendship between herself and Miss Hartwell is formed as they bond over the piano and Miss Hartwell teaches her how to play.

Ages: 4-5
Source: Pierce College Ft. Steilacoom Library

When walking by Miss Hartwell's house Tia, an African American girl, hears beautiful music coming from the house. She wants to take lessons so she does chores for Miss Hartwell. The two help each other and form a true friendship. This is a heartwarming story set in the 1900's. It is a great read aloud for K-4th grade students. I especially love the beautiful illustrations. ( )