Another Band's Treasure

A Story of Recycled Instruments

  • Interest Level: Grade 3 - Grade 6
  • Reading Level: Grade 4

In a small village in Paraguay, Diego dreams of giving music lessons to the children he sees each day. The only problem: there aren’t enough instruments to go around.

But when he and Nicolas, a carpenter, look to a nearby landfill, they see instruments in the making. Soon, a paint can, a wooden plank, and a faucet knob become the start of a violin—and their recycled instruments give the kids in town new ways to express themselves.

Inspired by the true story of La Orquesta de Instrumentos Reciclados de Cateura, Hua Lin Xie’s first graphic novel is a big-hearted ode to the power of music.

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978-1-7284-6037-6
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Interest Level Grade 3 - Grade 6
Reading Level Grade 4
Genre Graphic Novels
Category Diverse Books: Social Class, Diversity, SEL: B Self-Management, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2023
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Graphic Universe ™
Language English
Number of Pages 128
Publication Date 2023-04-04
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV008000, JUV031040, JUV063000
Dewey 741.5/973
Dimensions 8 x 10
Guided Reading Level W
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Awards, Original artwork, and Reviewed

Author, Illustrator: Hua Lin Xie

Hua Lin Xie studied art and animation in Beijing, China, for four years before continuing her studies at the Émile Cohl School in Lyon, France, where she currently resides. Another Band's Treasure: A Story of Recycled Instruments (first published by Steinkis as Sous les déchets . . . la musique) is her first graphic novel.

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Awards

  • Green Earth Book Award Longlist, Long-listed, 2024

Reviews

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“The illustrations emote feelings of despair into hope and then excitement as the story is depicted. This engaging book can begin a project on creating musical instruments or other items from discarded materials. Reviewer Rating: 4” —Children’s Literature

Booklist

“Xie’s soft, sketchy artwork nicely captures the atmosphere of the town, and a pop of color for the first homemade instrument emphasizes how life changing it is. A truly inspiring tale, perfect for middle-grade readers.”—Booklist

Kirkus Reviews

“[I]nfused with optimism. . . . A gentle reminder of music’s might.”—Kirkus Reviews

Publishers Weekly

“Rough-hewn b&w illustrations and lean text convey a linear story that prioritizes a collective journey over individual character arcs. By rendering the recycled instruments in full color, Xie adds a welcome burst of verve while spotlighting the story’s unique hook.”—Publishers Weekly