Jasmine Toguchi, Drummer Girl (Jasmine Toguchi, 3)

In this third book in the series, readers gets more of the sweet and spunky Jasmine we love. What talent will she pick for the school's talent show? Pounding mochi? Making a collage? None seem quite right, but her mom has a great idea: the taiko (Japanese drum)! Throughout the book Jasmine learns from her family, is supported by and supports her friends, and finds out that it's fun do to things that make you feel free and strong and happy. She also learns about how sometimes people who brag a little (or a lot) may just need our friendship. I loved learning about taiko drumming, and even found its rules interesting--just like Jasmine does!

Wonderful story on finding yourself if your culture but remaining true to yourself! Great middle grade reader!

Jasmine is initially excited when her teacher announces that the school is hosting a talent show on Saturday and all students are encouraged to participate. Jasmine knows she has some good talents. She's good at tree climbing, collage making, and mochi making. But then she realizes none of those talents is good for the stage and she worries she'll have nothing to contribute. Her mom has an idea and gets Jasmine taiko lessons. Jasmine worries she won't be good enough in time. Will the talent show be a total embarrassment?I love the discussion Jasmine and her mom have about failure, having fun, that good enough is ok, and to not be embarrassed about mistakes. Such an important thing for young readers to hear (and especially good for kids of Asian descent who often have perfectionism drilled into them). Jasmine's discussion with her sister about the role of practice was great too. And I loved Jasmine's final response to the girl who was driving her batty all week with her bragging. She chose kindness rather than bragging herself, which was fantastic. It is great to have a character learn to play Japanese drums. I have never, ever read about someone learning taiko before. It's a fun cultural addition that is utterly unique and totally fits Jasmine's character. Highly recommended to lower grade readers who have like realistic stories and those who may have perfectionistic tendencies.

We love the Jasmine Toguchi series in our Japanese/Korean/Irish/etc. household. My daughter loves reading more about Japanese cultural aspects she knows and loves, such as the taiko drumming in this book, and I love that each book shows Jasmine struggling with an issue that all kids in this age range tend to experience.In Drummer Girl, Jasmine struggles with competitiveness and feeling as though she lacks the talents her classmates have; learning the importance of practice if you want to grow and improve at something; and with the realization that working hard, putting in the effort and trying your best (very Japanese values, expressed often by the phrase, "ganbatte," btw!) can be just as important, if not more, than being "perfect" at something; and finally, that having fun with the things about which you are passionate is as important as whether or not you are the "best" at them - a lesson it sounds like almost all these post-millennials kids-these-days need to be reminded of!

@kidlitexchange #partner #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlitThanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.This is the third book in the Jasmine Toguchi chapter book series, which features a third-generation Japanese American girl, and it’s a wowee zowee winner!Jasmine is a third grader at Drake Elementary and it is nearly time for the school talent show. Jasmine’s close friends all have talents to demonstrate in the show, so does the overly perfect Maggie Milsap. But Jasmine’s talents— making collages, tree climbing, and pounding mocha —aren’t exactly stage material.Luckily, Jasmine’s mother introduces her to taiko aka Japanese drumming. Learning taiko with her mother’s taiko-playing friend makes Jasmine feel strong and happy. She instantly falls in love with her newly acquired skill and is convinced she is gifted with natural drumming ability. But the talent show is looming and Jasmine will have to realize the importance of hard work and practice if she is to stand a chance at outshining Maggie Milsap and performing well in the big event.This chapter book is ideal for readers aged 6-9. It uses simple language and short sentences and is a page-turning read. It also includes an author’s note on the history of taiko and instructions on how to make a hachi-maki headband, a popular accessory for taiko players.Best enjoyed with a big plate of mouth-watering sushi! Oh, and keep an eye out for the next title to come in the series, Jasmine Toguchi, Flamingo Keeper, which will no doubt be just as appealing.

Jasmine is very life-like in the way she mirrors the thoughts and issues kids her age go through. Jasmine's school is having a talent show and she is so very excited to participate! But when all of her classmates begin to sign up specifying their talent she begins the journey of discovering if she has a talent and what exactly is it. Although Jasmine has a very supportive group of friends and family, she is not immune to comparison being the thief of joy and she has to find a way to believe in herself regardless of what others, including a very obnoxious classmate, say. As always, when Jasmine decides she will learn a new skill, she does not quit, and practices until she feels she's ready. Another great Jasmine adventure!