A parent might reach for this book when their child is struggling with self-esteem, body image, or feeling like they don't fit in with their peers. This biography for young readers details the inspiring journey of Melissa Jefferson, the girl who would become the Grammy-winning superstar Lizzo. It chronicles her childhood love of music, her classical flute training, and the challenges she faced, including bullying and industry rejection, on her path to fame. The book powerfully highlights themes of resilience, self-love, and the importance of embracing one's unique identity. It's an excellent choice for a middle grader who needs a contemporary, positive role model who proves that hard work and radical self-acceptance are superpowers.
The book directly addresses themes of bullying related to body weight and the challenges of being a Black woman in a predominantly white music scene. These topics are handled in a straightforward and age-appropriate manner. The death of her father is mentioned as a significant and difficult period in her life. The overall resolution of these struggles is exceptionally hopeful, framing them as obstacles she overcame to become stronger and more confident.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 10 to 14 year old, particularly one who loves pop music and is beginning to navigate the social pressures of middle school. It is especially resonant for a child feeling like an outsider, whether due to their body type, interests, or background, who needs to see a real-world example of someone turning their perceived differences into their greatest strengths.
Parent Prep
No specific prep is needed; the book can be read cold. It's a very positive and well-framed biography. A parent might want to be prepared to have follow-up conversations about body positivity, perseverance, or what it means to be an ally and advocate, as Lizzo is for the LGBTQ+ community, a point mentioned in the book. A parent has heard their child express negative self-talk about their body or appearance, saying things like "I'm too fat" or "I'm not pretty enough." The child might also feel discouraged about a passion or hobby because their peers don't think it's cool.
Age Experience
A 10-year-old will likely focus on the exciting story of becoming a famous singer: learning the flute, being in bands, and winning awards. A 14-year-old will better grasp the more complex themes: the social commentary in her music, the significance of her advocacy for body positivity, and the systemic challenges she faced as a Black female artist.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many musician biographies for this age group, this book centers its narrative on the themes of self-love and radical acceptance as the primary drivers of Lizzo's success. It's less a story about innate talent and more about the power of perseverance and building one's own identity against the grain. Its contemporary subject makes it immediately relevant and relatable to today's tweens.
Read plot summary
This biography follows the life of musician Lizzo, from her birth as Melissa Jefferson in Detroit to her rise as a global music icon. The book covers her family's move to Houston, her early passion for music, and her classical training as a flutist. It details her struggles with body image, bullying, the death of her father, and her time living in her car while trying to make it as an artist. The narrative highlights her perseverance through various musical groups, leading up to her breakthrough success with the album "Cuz I Love You" and the sleeper hit "Truth Hurts." Central to the story is her consistent message of body positivity, self-love, and empowerment for her fans.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Lizzo was a classically trained flutist, which some people didn't think was 'cool' for a pop artist. How did she turn something that made her different into one of her signature strengths?
2
The book talks a lot about Lizzo's message of self-love. What do you think 'self-love' means? Why do you think that message is so important to her fans?
3
Lizzo's song 'Truth Hurts' became a number-one hit two years after it was first released. What does her journey with that song teach us about perseverance and success?
4
The book describes how Lizzo created a new space for herself in music because she didn't fit neatly into one category. Why is it important for artists and other creators to challenge expectations?
