Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion: questions to ask and activities to try
Evelyn Glennie lost much of her hearing as a child, but she found a new way to listen. Listen is the inspiring true story of the world-famous deaf percussionist.
What age is it for? Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Deafness, determination and finding your own way.
Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion (Shannon Stocker and Devon Holzwarth)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Deafness, determination and finding your own way
Read it and talk about the different ways we can sense sound. Try feeling the vibrations of a drum or speaker together.
What it helps with
- Deafness and hearing loss
- Determination when others doubt you
- Finding your own way
- Music and the senses
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What happened to Evelyn’s hearing?”
- “What did people tell her?”
- “How did she learn to listen?”
- “What instruments did she play?”
- “Can you feel music?”
- “What would you never give up on?”
5-minute activities to try together
Feel the beat
Put a hand on a drum, speaker or table while someone taps. Can you feel it?
Barefoot music
Play music with your shoes off and see if you can feel the beat through the floor.
Free printables: Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
What Happened to You? (James Catchpole)
- Best for
- Physical disability, limb difference, curiosity and privacy
- Age
- 4-8
Today I Will Fly! (Mo Willems)
- Best for
- Big ambitions, and a friend who worries
- Age
- 3-7
The Dot (Peter H. Reynolds)
- Best for
- Children who say 'I can't' before they've tried
- Age
- 4-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.