Music of the Bells
Book Summary:
Music of the Bells tells the story of Neela, a young girl who recently moved from India and now studies ballet in her new home. Although she enjoys ballet and her new friends, she misses Kathak, a classical Indian dance form she practiced before moving. As Neela prepares for a dance showcase, she learns that she does not have to choose between her old and new identities and discovers that both cultures can be celebrated through her dancing.
Recommended Questions:
How does the author use Neela's memories to help readers understand her connection to India?
Neela worries about whether others will like her dance, but Amma asks, "Do you like it?" Why is that question more important than what everyone else thinks?
What does the story suggest about maintaining cultural traditions while also embracing new experiences and communities?
In what ways can music, dance, and the arts help people from different cultures understand one another?
When Neela signs up for the showcase, she worries whether others will appreciate her traditional dance. How can we help create classrooms and communities where everyone feels safe sharing their culture, traditions, and experiences?
The book mentions that Kathak has spread to many parts of the world. How do cultural traditions change when they move to new places, and what might be gained or lost in that process?
In the book, Kathak is described as a way of telling stories through movement. If you were to share a story about your family, culture, or community through dance, music, or art, what story would you tell?
Neela says the bells "never stay quiet again" once she begins dancing. What do you think the bells symbolize, and what message is the author communicating through this metaphor?
NCSS Theme 9: Global Connections
This book demonstrates how people maintain connections to places, cultures, and loved ones across national borders. Although Neela now lives far from India, Kathak dance and the sound of her ankle bells help her remember the people, traditions, and places that are important to her. The story demonstrates that global connections are not only created through travel and communication but also through memories, cultural practices, and family traditions that connect individuals to their heritage. Through dance, Neela carries a piece of her home with her while building a life in a new community.
Social Justice Anchor Standard 5: Identity in multiple spaces
Music of the Bells encourages students to develop positive social identities and appreciate the many aspects of themselves that make them unique. Neela learns to value both her Indian heritage and her new experiences, demonstrating that identity can be complex, evolving, and enriched by multiple cultures.
WA Geography 2: Human interaction with the environment
Music of the Bells demonstrates how people carry cultural traditions with them when they move from one place to another. Even after leaving India, Neela remains connected to the people and places she loves through dance, music, and memories. The story helps students understand how migration influences individuals and communities while showing how cultural traditions can connect people across different regions of the world.
