It’s everyone’s favorite day in music class: instrument selection day! Even though Rosie has waited for this day all year, she is nervous to try the instrument she has always dreamed of playing, the electric guitar.
Join Rosie as she learns how to find her voice, work with others as a team, and face her fears. This heartfelt story includes details about the electric guitar and women who helped pave the way for musicians today!
Get the teaching guide FREE when ordering with the Rosie Rocks! interactive flipbook:
Sarah Gulish
David Allen
Monica Levin –
Rosie Rocks is as sweet as it is bold and empowering!
When I had the chance to try instruments as an elementary music student, the choices were limited to a violin, trumpet, clarinet, and flute. The opportunities are vast in Ms. A’s music classroom! Rosie and her classmates had a synthesizer, turntable, acoustic guitar, and even an electric guitar from which to choose! A world of opportunities for these budding musicians is opened up in Rosie Rocks!
The illustrations, especially the use of black and white interspersed with color are thoughtful. The simple sketches of the students are diverse and relatable. The pops of pink and yellow intentionally highlight the thinkings and wonderings of the two main characters, emphasizing the connection between a teacher and student and what is possible as a female musician.
I especially love how Rosie trusts Ms. A enough to express fear. This is not dismissed by Ms. A, but rather affirmed with expressions of reassurance: “even if your heart is scared, your fingers know what to do.” Can you imagine if we all had music teachers who gave students permission to be themselves and provide opportunities to build self-confidence?
Author, Sarah Gulish, and illustrator, David Allen remind us that music education goes well beyond traditional classical music. The genre of rock music is normalized as a possibility for students in this story; something that I was never exposed to as a student. Every teacher should have a copy of Rosie Rocks in their classroom library to show students the possibilities as a musician and the power of music in building self-confidence and self-worth!
Elizabeth Macchiarolo Shier –
I teach elementary music and my students choose instruments in 5th grade. I can’t wait to read this book to them! The rhyming text is enchanting, and the artwork is so detailed – you must look at the design of the pictures! I love everything about this book. I got an e-copy of the book and can’t wait to get the hard copy! Well done, author and illustrator! Can’t wait to get more from this author.
Heather Kennedy –
This story is heartwarming, inspiring, and joyful. I loved following Rosie on her journey from speaking up for herself to finding the bravery to share her music with others. I think it shows kids that it’s good to speak up for what you want and that through dedication and work you can make your aspirations come true. Bravery isn’t always easy, there is a lot of vulnerability that goes with it, but Rosie discovers that the vulnerability is worth it in the end!
The illustrations in this book are wonderful. I loved looking at the cardboard scenes, and think kids could get lots of enjoyment out of pouring over these images. I have never seen illustrations like this in a book before and the uniqueness really stood out to me.
Pamela Realmuto –
By having Ms. A. encourage and inspire her music class students to play an instrument, author, Sarah Gulish has creatively empowered Rosie to find her voice and to bravely build confidence. Once Rosie gets a guitar in her hands, she really does rock! The story is heartwarming and entertaining for all ages and David Allen’s illustrations are innovative, pairing perfectly with the author’s vision.