Mendel’s Accordion

Submitted by Ms. Tess!
I recently acquired an accordion, and am learning to play it. In hopes of incorporating my new-found accordion skills into story time at the library, I searched for children’s books featuring accordions, and was lead to the gem that is Mendel’s Accordion by Heidi Smith Hyde, illustrated by Johanna Van Der Sterre. It’s a story about a brave Jewish musician, and his immigration from Europe to America, when times were not easy for Jewish people, or immigrants. It’s a story about the power of music to heal and unify. And it’s a story about the proud tradition of Klezmer, a style of music that was originated in eastern Europe by people who typically lacked formal music training, but could play songs that easily evoked happiness, or sadness, in their audiences. It’s a fabulous book for any child curious about history, or music, or accordions! See this book listed in our catalog