\n Readers will agree that \u201cMelba Doretta Liston was something special.\u201d (Picture book. 4-8)\n <\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
Picking up the trombone at 7, the little girl teaches herself to play with the support of her Grandpa John and Momma Lucille, performing on the radio at 8 and touring as a pro at just 17. Both text and illustrations make it clear that it\u2019s not all easy for Melba; \u201cThe Best Service for WHITES ONLY\u201d 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 \u201cdazzling audiences and making headlines\u201d around the world. Russell-Brown\u2019s debut text has an innate musicality, mixing judicious use of onomatopoeia with often sonorous prose. Morrison\u2019s sinuous, exaggerated lines are the perfect match for Melba\u2019s 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\u2013clad 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.<\/p>\n
Readers will agree that \u201cMelba Doretta Liston was something special.\u201d\u00a0(Picture book. 4-8)<\/p><\/div>\n
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Pub Date:<\/b> July 1, 2014<\/p>\n
ISBN:<\/b> 978-1-60060-898-8<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
Page Count:<\/b> 40<\/p>\n
Publisher:<\/b> Lee & Low Books<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
Review Posted Online:<\/b> June 3, 2014<\/p>\n
Kirkus Reviews Issue:<\/b> June 15, 2014<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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