Harrison Elementary Schools Welcome Author Susan Hood

The four elementary schools of Harrison were excited to welcome children’s author Susan Hood to their classrooms. The visiting author event is one of the many experiences made possible by the Elementary Enrichment Committee (EEC).

Susan Hood is the celebrated author of more than 200 books. She has written books such as “Spike, The Mixed Up Monster” which won the 2013 International Latino Award and “The Tooth Mouse” which was named the Best Book of the Year in 2013 by Bank Street and the Cooperative Children’s Book Center.

Ms. Hood spoke about her non-fiction collaboration with illustrator Sally Wern Comport titled “Ada’s Violin- The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay.” The story is about a small girl named Ada Rios who grew up in the poverty of Cateura, Paraguay. She dreamed of one day playing the violin, but there was little money for even the essentials let alone an instrument as grand as a violin. A music teacher named Favio Chávez arrived in the small town and wanted to give the children the gift of music. Since Catuera is built on a landfill, Chávez, who is an ecological technician, used the materials in the dump to build them instruments.

Such innovation and inspiration changed the lives of the children and the town forever – especially Ada. Today, the Recycled Orchestra plays venues around the world, spreading their message of hope and innovation.

Harrison Avenue Elementary 2nd grader Reed Appleton was so inspired by the story that he constructed his own violin made from trash and presented it to Ms. Hood who was blown away by the gesture and the creativity.

To learn more about The Recycled Orchestra and how the instruments are created, please watch the inspirational TEDx Talk Favio Chávez gave on the subject:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsfOvJEdurk