Book Review of An Instrument for Florenda
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The Children’s Book Review
An Instrument for Florenda
Written by Tomeko Brown and Christopher Smallwood
Illustrated by YoungJu Kim
Ages: 6-10 | 96 Pages
Publisher: Tomeko Brown/ Moving Notes Books (2025) | ISBN: 9798218513450
What to Expect: Music, perseverance, dreams, financial hardships, and community.
In this inspirational beginners’ chapter book, readers will meet a young girl who doesn’t let disappointment or hardship interfere with her dreams.
Florenda has always wanted to play clarinet in a band, so when her school principal announces that the school will finally be getting a band in the new school year, she is thrilled. However, her path to being an amazing clarinet player will not be easy. Buying a clarinet is expensive, and Florenda’s mother doesn’t earn a lot of money. What’s more, clarinets are not easy to play, even when you do manage to afford one!
Still, Florenda is determined—from working chores all summer to earn cash for her instrument to giving up her weekends to practice; she is willing to do whatever it takes. Luckily, she has wonderfully supportive friends and family who help her whenever they can. When the winter concert finally arrives, Florenda is going to be ready to shine!
Florenda is hard-working, dedicated to her dreams, and polite, cheerful, and sensible. Readers are sure to empathize with her disappointment when she cannot afford an instrument immediately, and her commitment to chores and practice to get what she wants demonstrates the agency even young children can have in achieving their dreams. The text features short sentences and simple dialogue, perfect for building literacy, and the school-positive text also emphasizes themes like peer support, growth mindset, and community spirit.
An Instrument for Florenda is an encouraging story sure to inspire young people to pursue their passions.
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About the Author
Tomeko Brown is a North Carolina native with a lifelong passion for writing, music, and education. She began her creative journey by playing the clarinet as a child, which sparked her love for the arts. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from East Carolina University. She also earned a Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology from West Texas A&M University. Her graduate research focused on using technology to enhance and support student learning. Tomeko has worked in K–5 classrooms and holds a Certificate in Early Childhood Services. She is also a member of Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Her work blends creativity, education, and a love for helping young minds thrive.
For more information, visit tomekobrown.com .
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