Drum Dream Girl

Recommended Ages: 3-7

Written by Margarita Engle. Illustrated by Rafael Lopez.

In a world where the belief that "girls cannot be drummers" goes unchallenged, a young girl known as the drum dream girl dares to defy the norm. Living on an island alive with music, she dreams of pounding tall congas and tapping small bongós, but must practice in secret. Her passion remains hidden until her dream-filled melodies finally break through, captivating everyone around her. As her music inspires joy, the community comes together to celebrate the idea that both girls and boys should be free to drum and dream. Based on the true story of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who shattered Cuba's traditional barriers against female drummers, Drum Dream Girl is an uplifting tale for all aspiring dreamers.