Dancing Hands

Margarita Engle and illustrator Rafael Lopez share the inspiring story of Teresa Carre?o, a young piano prodigy who once performed for President Abraham Lincoln. As a child, Teresa loved playing the piano, using music to express both happiness and sadness. Her talent quickly grew, and she soon began composing her own songs and performing in grand places.

When a revolution in Venezuela forced her family to move to the United States, Teresa struggled with loneliness in a new country during the Civil War. Even so, she continued playing and became known as the talented "Piano Girl," gaining such fame that President Lincoln invited her to perform at the White House.