Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma

Before Yo-Yo Ma became one of the most renowned and celebrated cellists, he wanted to play the double bass. But it was too big for his four-year-old hands. Over time, Ma honed his amazing talent, and his music became a reflection of his own life between borders, cultures, disciplines and generations. Since then, he has recorded over a hundred albums, won nineteen Grammy Awards, performed for eight American presidents and received the National Medal of the Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, just to name a few accomplishments. 

Staying true to himself, Yo-Yo Ma performed at the US-Mexico border at the Rio Grande on April 13, 2019, as part of his multi-continent “Bach Project” tour to prove a point — through music, we can build bridges rather than walls between different cultures. 

Joanna Ho’s lyrical writing and Teresa Martinez’s vibrant art weave together to tell an inspiring story of Yo-Yo Ma, who challenges conventions, expectations and beliefs in order to build bridges to unite communities, people and cultures. A beautiful picture book biography to enjoy and share in the home and the classroom. 

Author: Joanna Ho 
Illustrator: Teresa Martinez 
Format: Hardcover, 40 pages 
Publisher: HarperCollins (2021) 
ISBN: 9780062994547