Dancing Hands How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln By Margarita Engle (Grades 1-3)

Beautifully and vibrantly illustrated by Rafael Lopez, the two creators of this book tell the story of a girl who lost everything to playing piano for President Abraham Lincoln. Dancing Hands is a heartfelt and inspirational picture book depicting the journey of Teresa Carreño and how music has provided her joy and hope amidst the revolution in Venezuela, then the Civil War in her new home, America. Engle's poetic imagery, storytelling, and rhyme majestically display the warm ups and devastating downs of Teresa's life, and overcoming her transitioning adversities with hope and light. Margarita Engle is a Cuban American author who served as the national Young People's Poet Laureate for 2017-2019. She has written verse novels, memoirs, and picture books, including The Surrender Tree, Enchanted Air, Drum Dream Girl, and Dancing Hands, winning awards such as Newbery Honor, Pura Belpré, Golden Kite, Walter, Jane Addams, PEN U.S.A., and NSK Neustadt, among others. Her poetry aims to converge imagination with reality, and instill compassion, courage, and exploration among youth.