I Am Mozart, Too
What’s inside...
I Am Mozart, Too is a picture book biography about Maria Anna Mozart, Wolfgang's older sister, who was a child prodigy and a secret composer. Despite societal restrictions on women in music, Nannerl defies the norms by composing her own music in secret, while her brother rises to fame. With vivid illustrations by Adelina Lirius, author Audrey Ades tells the empowering story of a talented girl who has been overlooked by history, but whose genius deserves recognition.
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Maria Anna 'Nannerl' Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Leopold Mozart
Discussion points
What do you think made Mozart so passionate about music from such a young age?
How do you think Nannerl felt about her talents and opportunities compared to her brother?
What are some ways in which Nannerl showed resilience and creativity in the story?
How did the siblings support each other in following their dreams?
What can we learn from Nannerl’s story about pursuing our own interests even when it’s difficult?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on Nannerl's and Mozart's relationship and their love for music.
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with those of Nannerl. Ask questions that relate Nannerl's feelings and actions to situations your child might encounter.
Praise thoughtful responses and encourage your child to think deeply about the challenges Nannerl faced, making historical connections or comparisons to today’s world.
Use the story to discuss broader themes of equality, perseverance, and family support, making it relevant to your child’s everyday experiences.
Reinforce the story’s messages by connecting them to real-life experiences or stories of other people, both historical and contemporary, who have pursued their passions against odds.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: The story centers on a young girl who discovers her unique musical talent, akin to Mozart's, teaching that everyone has special abilities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace their own unique talents and interests, understanding that everyone is special in their own way.
Example Lesson: Perseverance Pays Off
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges in mastering her musical skills, but her continuous effort demonstrates the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This instills in children the value of persistent effort and practice in not just music, but in all areas of learning and personal development.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Role Models
Explanation: Inspired by Mozart, the girl in the story learns to nurture her talent. This highlights how historical figures can serve as powerful role models.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to learn about and look up to figures who excel in their areas of interest, be it in arts, sciences or sports, fostering a sense of aspiration and motivation.
Example Lesson: Coping with Doubts and Fears
Explanation: As the girl deals with self-doubt about her musical abilities, the story teaches ways to overcome fear and insecurity.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children with the emotional resilience to tackle nervousness and self-doubt in their own endeavors, whether it's during school presentations or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Sharing Your Gifts with Others
Explanation: Eventually, the girl shares her musical talent in a concert, learning the joy of sharing one's gifts with others.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to share their talents and positive attributes, enhancing their social interactions and contributing to a supportive community environment.