Status
Available
Publication
Lee & Low Books (2014), 40 pages
Library's review
"Bewitched by the rhythms of jazz all around her in Depression-era Kansas City, little Melba Doretta Liston longs to make music in this fictional account of a little-known jazz great.
Picking up the trombone at 7, the little girl teaches herself to play with the support of her Grandpa John and Momma
Readers will agree that “Melba Doretta Liston was something special.” From Kirkus Reviews, a Kirkus starred review, www.kirkusreviews.com
Picking up the trombone at 7, the little girl teaches herself to play with the support of her Grandpa John and Momma
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Lucille, performing on the radio at 8 and touring as a pro at just 17. Both text and illustrations make it clear that it’s not all easy for Melba; “The Best Service for WHITES ONLY” reads a sign in a hotel window as the narrative describes a bigotry-plagued tour in the South with Billie Holiday. But joy carries the day, and the story ends on a high note, with Melba “dazzling audiences and making headlines” around the world. Russell-Brown’s debut text has an innate musicality, mixing judicious use of onomatopoeia with often sonorous prose. Morrison’s sinuous, exaggerated lines are the perfect match for Melba’s story; she puts her entire body into her playing, the exaggerated arch of her back and thrust of her shoulders mirroring the curves of her instrument. In one thrilling spread, the evening gown–clad instrumentalist stands over the male musicians, her slide crossing the gutter while the back bow disappears off the page to the left. An impressive discography complements a two-page afterword and a thorough bibliography.Readers will agree that “Melba Doretta Liston was something special.” From Kirkus Reviews, a Kirkus starred review, www.kirkusreviews.com
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Awards
Georgia Children's Book Award (Finalist — Picturebook — 2016)
Orbis Pictus Award (Recommended Title — 2015)
Coretta Scott King Award (Honor — 2015)
NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work (Nominee — Children — 2015)
CCBC Choices (2015)
The Best Children's Books of the Year (Five to Nine — 2015)
Notable Children's Book (2015)
Rise: A Feminist Book Project for Ages 0-18 (Selection — 2015)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Kids (Informational Books for Younger Readers — 2014)
Language
Original language
English
ISBN
1600608981 / 9781600608988
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