The Girl Who Heard the Music: How One Pianist and 85,000 Bottles and Cans Brought New Hope to an Island (2023) by Marni Fogelson, Mahani Teave and Marta Alvarez Miguens

This true story hits all the things I love - nature, music, conservation and courageous women. Mahani heard music everywhere. Growing up on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), nature’s music inspired her. Visitors to the island also brought their music to share. And Mahani fell in love with the piano. Her musical talent was undeniable and she courageously embarked on an adventure, studying at conservatories around the world. When she returned home to Rapa Nui, she was overwhelmed by the plastic garbage accumulating on Rapa Nui’s shores. She co-founded NGO Toki and worked with her community to build an earthship with the trash. That earthship is now the Rapa Nui School of Music and the Arts. 

Heart: In the back matter, you can read, “Mahani now also works as a cultural ambassador and humanitarian. She hopes the school can serve as a model for other regions around the world and that her story will inspire people to share more love and empathy, play more music, and work together to mitigate climate change.” Perfect. Just perfect. Check out this documentary about Mahani! Have I mentioned my love for documentaries?? 

Head: What is an earthship? I’ve read about these before - perhaps in a National Geographic article. It is explained in the back matter in this book, but essentially it is made with all natural materials and recycled materials (like tires and plastic bottles!); it has all renewable energy sources; it’s roofs collect and reuse rainwater; it has gardens to grow food. Will someone PLEASE invite me to their Earthship already?!?