Nine-year-old Yang and his family have immigrated from China to Seattle, where his father plays in the Seattle Symphony. Yang is tone-deaf and unable to please his older siblings and parents; they believe he'll improve if he just tries harder and practice his violin more.  His Father has given Yang years of violin lessons, but Yang hates playing the Violin. Yang is introduced to baseball loves to play Baseball. Unwillingly to let his father down, Yang, along with new friend Matthew, creates a plan to save the family's face at an upcoming violin recital. A great multicultural book that includes sports and music the challenge of adapting to a new country.  Great for students to read!  Lensey Namioka (her husband's last name) was born in Beijing and now lives in Seattle and has been writing books for over 30 years and won many awards.

 

Namioka explores issues of diversity, self realization, friendship, and duty with sensitivity and a great deal of humor - The Horn Book (starred review).