Rosa plays her accordion to make her grandma feel better and her self feel less lonely and subsequently forms the Oak Street Band to help celebrate the anniversary of the corner market. Visual references connect readers to earlier books about Rosa's three generation family, while the theme here underscores the interrelationship of Rosa to her foremothers, her girl friends and their neighborhood. Images rich in vitality are placed within superbly composed, bordered watercolor paintings to convey the spirit of the story as well as details of their daily living. One of two winners in the 1984 CCBC Caldecott Discussion. (Ages 3-9)

"Rosa organizes her friends into the Oak Street Band in order to earn money her family needs because of her Grandma's illness....Community, family and personal triumphs converge, making unforgettable music for everyone."--School Library Journal.