Esquivel! Space Age Sound Artist

It encourages children they can do whatever they want, and explore their passions to make it their job, to discover new things. It talks about the process by which Esquivel went from a little boy playing piano to an inventor of stereo music and sound recorder.

Author: Susan Wood
Illustrator: Duncan Tonatiuh
Year Published: 2016
ISBN: 978-1-58089-673-3

Summary

This is the children's book version of the real life story of Juan Garcia Esquivel who was a musician, then a band leader then a pioneer in stereophonic sound. He was fascinated by how sound could be arranged. He broke barriers and created new music technology.

Evaluation

Appropriateness: High
Authority: Medium
Accuracy: High
Liteary Artistry: High
Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

Perhaps. It is his life story, but they may find answers to their own questions in reading about it.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, I think for sure, especially because it is modeling a story of someone who followed his own path and dream.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

Yes, and in fun, indirect ways - telling Esquivel's life story but tying in scientific facts about sound and music - through a story.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

It seems so. It is more his life's story, but the information about sound, instruments, fundamentals of stereophonics seem accurate.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Well, it is all his life story so allegedly all fact, but it melds and blurs the story of his life facts from the scientific/music/sound facts it also shares.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Beautiful illustrations. It is what drew me in. I love this illustrator. They are clear and colorful and artistic. Likely not entirely accurate. Likely some liberties taken in how instruments are drawn, etc.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

It is written for pretty much any level student, but likely older grades would appreciate more.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

Absolutely, Esquivel is Mexican. And no stereotyping as he made big things happen.

Is the book free from gender bias?

It is the story of a boy then man so there are really no female characters in it. That doesn't mean gender bias. Just no women.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

I love how it just talks about sound, and music, and therefore weaves in and covers science but through the story, through the facts of his life. Not overt science teaching.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

Absolutely. And fun and engaging. Music, sound, stereophonics inventions, discovery IS science, but its also a career, and hobby, and personal passion. Every child can connect with music, and songs. They may just not think of the scientific background of it, without a story like this.

Science Topics

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