Major Theme:

Family; their love for each other and music/Heroism

Summary:

Members of the Yang family are talented musicians except for nine year old Yingtao.  Even after years of practice and lessons from his father, he cannot make beautiful music.  The Yang family has moved from China and now resides in Seattle, Washington. Yingtao wants to learn English and make new friends.  Although he must still practice his violin for an important family recital to help his father get more students.  He is afraid that his screeching violin will ruin the recital.  However, he's even more afraid to tell his family that he has found something he likes better than music.Yingtao meets a new friend, Matthew.  Together they think of a sure way to save the recital. 
 

Question #1

Question #2

Question #3

Name and describe some of the Asian traditions that you learned about.
     How do they relate to your family's traditions?
 

What do the title of this book mean to you?

Why is rice the most widely used food by this family?

Question #4

Was Matthew a true friend? Explain.

Question #5

Why do you think Mother kept fish in the bath tub before preparing it for dinner?
 

Question #6

Question #7

Question #8

Question #9

How would you summarize how Asian children refer to their siblings when they are not allowed to call each other their sister or brother as American children do?
 

Did Yingtao, the youngest brother ever get over his terrible ear.  If so      how?

How did Yang's family treat him in relation to his terrible ear?

What was Yang's greatest fear?

Question #10

What was the outcome of this fear?

Question #11

Question #12

Question #13

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Question #15

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Question #17

Question #18

Extension #1

Extension #2

Extension #3

Write about a time when you had a problem or was in a situation when you      felt different from others in your family.

 

Research and learn about Yang's home in China, use various sources. Trace his route from China to Seattle, Washington.  Chart comparisons and contrast of his two homes.
 

Extension #4

Extension #5