Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion

Having learned piano and clarinet before being diagnosed with degenerative hearing loss at age 10, Evelyn Glennie (b. 1965) was determined not to forsake music, which "rolled through the farm hills" of her native Scotland. Drawn by her school orchestra's percussion instruments, she starts lessons with a teacher who suggests that she remove her hearing aids and feel the drums' vibrations in her body: "every other sense intensified, as if Evelyn's whole body had become one giant ear," Stocker writes. Embracing the idea that "her brain just listened differently," Glennie fights to attend London's Royal Academy of Music--resulting in changed rules across British music schools--then goes on to record albums, win two Grammy Awards, and be awarded damehood by Queen Elizabeth II. Digitally enhanced watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil illustrations by Holzwarth emphasize Glennie's experience of finding, per an author's note, "other ways to listen," capturing the figure's barefoot performances via swirling, radiant colors that pour forth from her mallets. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)

Gr 3-6--The life of deaf percussionist Evelyn Glennie dances and swirls across the page in this vibrantly illustrated picture book biography that is perfect for elementary school readers learning about music and fascinating women. Glennie's story begins in Scotland, where she can play music by ear by the age of 10. Soon thereafter, she loses her hearing, and it seems as if she will lose access to music, too. A compassionate teacher, Ron Forbes, understands that Glennie feels the music with every part of her being, and she becomes an essential musician in any percussion section. This is more than a story of overcoming discrimination due to disability--Stocker captures something about the artist's need to be herself, regardless of abilities. Glennie is making music to this day. Lush brushstrokes, delicate character portraits, and warm colors make this a beautiful title to explore, and the ample text and sweet author's note ensures that Glennie's story will have an impact on readers. VERDICT An excellent addition to biography sections, especially for musical readers looking to feel the music and not just hear it.--Aryssa Damron