Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion

Evelyn Glennie is a Scottish percussionist who lost her hearing at age ten. Still, she persevered and pursued her dream of a career in music despite her disability and doctors telling her she could not. This biographical picture book about the Grammy Award-winning musician highlights Glennie’s inspirational story about overcoming obstacles with vibrant illustrations and a rich storyline. The book is suitable in an elementary-level classroom and lends itself well as a read-aloud. Its themes and messages may invite discussions about disabilities and perseverance, encouraging students to think critically about some of the challenges and successes Evelyn Glennie faced.