Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Snyder
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Singer's sweet story reminds us that dreams do come true.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE GREEN PIANO, Roberta Flack recounts how her childhood love of music bloomed into a successful music career. Growing up in a Blue Ridge Mountain town in North Carolina in the early-mid 1900's, she was inspired to love music by her parents and often dreamed of having her own piano. Moved by the music of the time and motivated by her piano lessons, Roberta Flack regarded music as her "treasure," her "gold." One day, her father brought home a piano he found at a junkyard and refurbished it for her to play. That one gift allowed her to find her voice and put beautiful music into the world -- all while inspiring others to do the same.
Is It Any Good?
This sweet and simple story offers readers a powerful message. The Green Piano is a reminder to readers young and old to honor the dreams in their hearts and pursue them passionately. Written in simple verse with charming illustrations by Hayden Goodman, the book shows us that the little things in life -- like a piano from the junkyard -- can make the biggest impacts. It's also a good starting point for learning more about Black culture in the mid-20th century, including Roberta Flack's career and the careers of others who helped launch her.
Though it's inspiring, The Green Piano falls a little flat in engaging its target audience -- kids. The free verse may be a little more difficult for kids to grasp. And while Roberta Flack is a noteworthy musician, today's kids are likely less familiar with her music and career, so her name on the book isn't necessarily a draw for them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about gratitude in The Green Piano. How can you tell that young Roberta is grateful for her green piano? How can you tell that grown-up Roberta is grateful for her green piano?
How is Roberta's family similar to yours? How is her family different from yours? Why is family important?
Do you play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, what instrument would you want to learn? Why?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : History , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Gratitude
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Anne Schwartz Books
- Publication date : January 10, 2023
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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