Jazz

A parent would reach for this book when they want to spark a child's creative fire or introduce the rich history of African American music through the power of performance. It is a perfect choice for children who naturally move to a rhythm or those who are beginning to explore how different art forms, like poetry and music, can blend together to tell a story of resilience and joy. Through a series of vibrant, rhythmic poems, Walter Dean Myers and Christopher Myers capture the heartbeat of jazz from its roots in New Orleans to the smoky clubs of Harlem. The book explores themes of self-expression, cultural identity, and the pure wonder of improvisation. It is ideally suited for children ages 6 to 12, serving as both a historical primer and a celebratory sensory experience that encourages kids to find their own unique voice.