30 Pages, Grades 2-3. Picture/Historical Fiction, ISBN 978-1561459438
In the multicultural town of Sarajevo, stands an open market near local businesses, where every day Drasko and his father sell flowers. The war hits their town and everything changes. His father leaves for the war. Drasko finds it challenging to sell flowers on his own. Then, a bomb hits the nearby bakery killing 22 people standing in line. The day after the bombing, a cellist from the orchestra, dressed in his tuxedo, plays music in the market. He plays each morning for 22 days – one day for each victim. This act of kindness encourages the community and Drasko to have hope and be kind again.
Drasko learns from his father how to love selling flowers and love the people around him. This example helps Drasko face the challenges of war as it affects his city. He is positively impacted by the cellist’s act of kindness, amidst a war. He spreads the feeling by giving freely of his flowers. I enjoyed the examples of hope and kindness the message of the book presented. This book reminded me of how each one of us are examples to those around us. We each have our own part to play in bringing hope, peace and love. The book includes maps and a statement on a region shaped by war, an author's note, sheet music, lyrics and a CD.
Reviewed by Angela C. LeSuer
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