Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreno Played the Piano for President Lincoln

A child piano prodigy flees revolution in Venezuela for the United States, and despite feeling lonely and out of place, grows famous enough to be invited to play for President Lincoln at the White House.

For the kid who already turns every mood into music, this true story shows how one girl's hands on piano keys carried her from a war-torn home to the White House.

• Big idea: Music can hold both grief and joy at once, and it can cross any distance — language, war, homesickness — to reach someone who needs comfort.
• Vibes: Lyrical, hopeful, and rooted in real history, with warmth underneath the hardship.

• enjoy true stories about real people
• are working on expressing feelings through music or art
• respond well to stories about starting over in a new place
• love picture books paired with vivid, colorful illustrations

• Story & problem-solving: How did Teresa use music to help her feel better when she was sad or lonely?
• Feelings & empathy: How do you think Teresa felt moving to a country where hardly anyone spoke Spanish?
• Real-life connection: Have you ever moved somewhere new or felt like you didn't quite fit in yet?
• Imagination: If you could play a song for someone important like President Lincoln, what would you want your music to say?
• Making connections: Why do you think music could comfort people even during a war like the Civil War?