Another Band's Treasure

February 20, 2023
Based on the true story of a Paraguayan orchestra whose instruments were made from repurposed objects, Xie’s slim debut dips into the experience of finding joy and community through acts of creative expression. With no school in their village to attend, siblings Ada and Daniel spend their days dodging bullies and combing a landfill for toys. To give local children something creative to look forward to, guitarist Mr. Diego starts offering music lessons. The siblings long to enroll, but their mother believes that they should “find some real work” instead. Other villagers also deride Mr. Diego’s efforts, claiming that “music is for rich people.” But the lessons thrill the children, and when there aren’t enough instruments to go around, Mr. Diego’s friend, landfill worker Nicolas, fashions some from bottle caps, twine, oil drums, and myriad other paraphernalia, launching the youths toward new opportunities. Rough-hewn b&w illustrations and lean text convey a linear story that prioritizes a collective journey over individual character arcs. By rendering the recycled instruments in full color, Xie adds a welcome burst of verve while spotlighting the story’s unique hook. A brief note about the book’s inspiration, Favio Chávez and the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, Paraguay, concludes. Ages 8–12.