Meeting Mona Golabek
"Hold on to your music. It will be your best friend."
These simple words have inspired Mona Golabek’s life and work. This
video profile lets teachers and students meet the author, understand what
inspired her to write about her mother’s experience, and see how she
is carrying on her mother’s legacy.
Questions to Discuss With Students
- For Part 1
Mona, like her mother, Lisa, dreamed of growing up to become a concert
pianist. What characteristics must a person have in order to realize
his or her dreams? Which ones does Mona seem to have? Which ones do you
have?
- For Part 2
What do you think you would experience if you went to a concert where Mona
played the piano? What kinds of things do you do that might provide memorable
experiences for other people?
- For Part 3
Mona wants to convey the stories and feelings behind the music she loves.
How is your appreciation of a piece of music changed by knowing how and
why it was written?
- For Part 4
A legacy is something that is handed down or remains from a previous generation.
What legacies are Mona and her sister Renée passing down to Renée’s
children? To readers of Mona’s book? In your family, what legacies
have been passed down from previous generations?
