Kid Musicians

September 15, 2024
Digestible nonfiction summaries of the childhoods of musicians and performers from the 20th and 21st centuries. The latest title in the Kid Legends series focuses on big names in the music industry, from those who are more recognizable to young readers today (Beyonc�, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles) to older legends (Ella Fitzgerald, Prince, Yo-Yo Ma). The content is divided into four themed parts: "Dreamers to Pop Superstars," "Jazz Clubs and Concert Halls," "Songwriting and Music-Making," and "Rhythm and Blues and the Motown Sound." Each section includes four powerhouse performers. The focus is primarily on each person's childhood, including challenges they faced. Stevenson also covers their adult accomplishments and accolades, advocacy efforts, and experiences of segregation and discrimination. She provides brief, meaningful explanations for elements of the stories that readers may be unfamiliar with; in Joni Mitchell's profile, she describes polio epidemics and the lack of a vaccine when she was young, information that helps contextualize the singer's bout with the disease. Humanizing details--Dolly Parton lived in poverty and was bullied at school; Cher struggled with dyslexia--provide readers with reassurance that people's lives, even ones filled with success and celebrity, are complex and storied. The full-color spot-art illustrations throughout break up the text and capture some iconic images. Informative and compelling; a useful and meaningful resource. (bibliography, index)(Nonfiction. 9-12)

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October 1, 2024

Gr 4 Up-This compilation of short, casual biographies of 16 musicians ranges from jazz legends Louie Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald to modern pop stars Taylor Swift and Beyonc�. Many (but not all) of the up-and-coming musicians overcame childhood obstacles (poverty, racism, unstable living conditions, child abuse), but almost all had supportive parents/adults in their lives. The large font is easy to read, and the generous white space around the text and large illustrations keeps the informative pages from being intimidating. The writing is casual, but occasionally clunky with run-on sentences that can feel too chatty. Steinfeld's bright cartoon illustrations emphasize the child-focused nature of these biographical sketches. Hand this book (and others in the series) to reluctant readers when it is time for a biography assignment. Students might need to supplement for a complete picture of their report subject, but this book should certainly keep their interest and provide a solid starting point. VERDICT An interesting look at some famous musicians when they were "just kids."-Lisa Crandall

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