Books to Inspire: March 2024
DRUM DREAM GIRL: HOW ONE GIRL’S COURAGE CHANGED MUSIC
by Margarita Engle and Rafael López
This moving poem was inspired by Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a groundbreaking Chinese–African–Cuban drummer. In 1932, at the tender age of ten, Millo broke barriers to become the first female drummer in Cuba when she and her sisters formed the all-female jazz orchestra, Anacaona. Award-winning poet Margarita Engle does not use specific names, dates, or places in “Drum Dream Girl”; rather, she allows Millo’s story to flow simply in powerful yet universal words.
The musical quality of Engle’s poem is brought to life by artist Rafael López’s vibrant and whimsical paintings. Parents, boys, and girls all gain from this message of perseverance, imagination, inclusion, and courage.
Published by Clarion Books in March 2015. Suitable for ages 3–7. A hardcover copy along with other works by Engle and López can be found in the Children’s Corner of the library.
100 NASTY WOMEN OF HISTORY
by Hannah Jewel
The saying “history is written about men, by men” is backed by statistics, with 72% of all biographies centered on male subjects. Journalist Hannah Jewell breaks the mold in “100 Nasty Women of History: Brilliant, Badass And Completely Fearless Women Everyone Should Know”. The book shines a spotlight on women from across the globe, periods, and walks of life; from Greek poet Sappho, born around 630 BC, to Indian–British unionist Jayaben Desai, who passed away in 2010.
Not only is this book informative and educational, it is hilarious, inspiring, and fun. Jewell combines her diverse journalistic experiences from Buzzfeed and The Washington Post, creating an entertaining and well-researched history lesson. Her writing is conversational, and unlike most history books, the reading experience feels like chit-chatting with a hilarious and bright friend. A word of warning: this book is full of sarcasm and contains profanity.
Published by Hodder and Stoughton, a subsidiary of Hachette Books, in 2017. A hardcover copy and more of Hannah Jewell’s work can be found in the nonfiction section of the library.
Prepared by Angela Chen, a Neilson Hays Library Board Member and the Children’s Program Chair. The Neilson Hays Library is Thailand’s premier English-language library. The Children's Program offers Saturday Story Time, a cozy Children's Corner, and special holiday events. Adult Programs include concerts, art exhibitions, book clubs, and book sales. Located in a UNESCO-awarded historic building with a garden and cafe on site: 195 Surawong Road, Bangkok 10500, Thailand. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.