Dancing Hands
How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln
Atheneum Books for Young Readers 2019
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.6 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- music as solace
- immigration and displacement
- resilience
- courage
- art and creativity
- historical biography
- hope
- family support
About this book
This lyrical picture-book biography introduces Teresa Carreño, a Venezuelan child prodigy whose piano playing brought comfort during difficult times. After her family flees to the United States, Teresa’s music helps her find her voice in a new place—eventually leading to a special performance for President Abraham Lincoln. Margarita Engle’s poetic text and Rafael López’s vibrant art celebrate the healing power of music and the courage of a young immigrant artist. Perfect for grades K–3, it inspires young readers who love history, music, and true stories of perseverance.
Setting: Venezuela and the United States during the American Civil War; Washington, D.C., White House
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dancing Hands right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Dancing Hands. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include music as solace, immigration and displacement, resilience.
How long does it take to read Dancing Hands?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Dancing Hands takes around 7m to finish. The book has 1,100 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dancing Hands have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dancing Hands has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Dancing Hands?
Dancing Hands has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.