Banzar took a turn for the different during his transition to manhood, he would not choose a regular, farming or iron work occupation. Instead he choose to be a musician, so his father exiled him from the village. He met up with a very wise man, who was also a musician who told Banzar all of his wise tales, and taught him very worthy skills. Banzar and his music fell upon the ears of the king. The king then made Banzar a very wealthy man, he then returned to his village and his family had no clue who he was. Both his brothers was doing worse than him and he helped his entire family. This was an amazing story for teaching people to believe in what makes them happy and never settle in what others want for you. I was very hopeful in reading this story. ( )

The singing was a very inspirational book to read. I picked this book because I thought the picture on the front cover looked interesting. I believe this book is inspirational because it teaches its readers to continue their dreams even if everyone doubt them. This book is a boy, Banzar, in West Africa that turned a certain age where he had to decide on his career. This was their tradition in the book.He decided he wanted to be a musician because he was passionate about making music.The elder of his community and his family did not believe that his career was going to bring money or benefits to the community. Therefore they banished him from their community. Banzar left his family and met a man that was very loved musician . He lived with the man and went around cities playing the flute while the man played the drums. The man then died and Banzar took his drums. He later played for the king of Lagos at a festival and pleased the king. The king that made him his personal musician. Banzar became rich and went to his home town and played and gave his community food. It was very interesting because this story reminded me of the bible story of Joseph. I think it was relate-able because Joseph forgave his brothers for throwing him in a whole and telling their father he was dead and also gave his family food. I think this story definitely tells its readers to follow their dreams. It also teaches forgiveness and kindness. This story's point of view was omniscient. I would definitely read this story to my future class. ( )

I loved this story. Firstly, I thought that the illustrations were incredible. they were incredibly lifelike and detailed and they helped the story come to life. Secondly, I liked reading a West African folktale because I enjoy folktales, but also because I think that it is an important piece of cultural text. To be able to read folktales from a culture gives you a piece of understanding of that culture and its heritage. I believe that this is important information for students to learn. If they can understand different cultures through stories, I believe that that is the best type of learning. I also found that the story sent a strong, powerful message that we should never give up on our dreams and passions. I would undoubtedly like to use this book in my classroom because I think that it would demonstrate to students that although some people may try to discourage you, it is important to stay true to yourself and your dreams. ( )

GR: O
GL: 4.9
DRA: 34
Lexile: 660L