
A parent might reach for this book when their child is fascinated by old TV shows or comedy, or when they are facing their own creative frustrations and need a role model for perseverance. This biography from the popular 'Who Was?' series tells the story of Lucille Ball, from her humble beginnings to becoming the 'Queen of Comedy.' It highlights her relentless determination in the face of repeated rejection, her creative genius, and her groundbreaking work as a businesswoman in Hollywood. For ages 8 to 12, this book is an inspiring and accessible introduction to a cultural icon, perfectly illustrating that success is often built on a foundation of failures.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book addresses Lucille Ball's investigation for alleged ties to the Communist Party during the 'Red Scare.' The approach is direct and factual, explaining the historical context and her eventual exoneration. Her divorce from Desi Arnaz is also covered directly but gently, noting their professional respect and friendship continued. The resolution is realistic, portraying the end of their marriage but the continuation of their successful business partnership.
The ideal reader is an 8 to 11-year-old who is interested in performing, comedy, or history. It's especially suited for a child who may be feeling discouraged by a lack of immediate success in a hobby or passion, as it powerfully demonstrates that persistence and a unique vision are more important than being told you have 'natural talent.'
Parents may want to be prepared to discuss the historical context of the Red Scare (Chapter 8), as the concept of being blacklisted for political beliefs might be new to a child. The topic of divorce is also mentioned. Otherwise, the book's accessible style means it can be read without much preparation. A parent might seek this book after hearing their child say, 'I'm just not good at it,' or 'I failed, so I should just quit.' It's also a great choice if a child shows curiosity about black-and-white TV shows or asks, 'Who was the most famous female comedian ever?'
A younger reader (8-9) will likely focus on the funny anecdotes from Lucy's life and the 'never give up' message. They will enjoy the story of her path to stardom. An older reader (10-12) will be better able to appreciate the nuances of her business acumen, the significance of Desilu Productions, and the societal barriers she broke regarding interracial marriage and pregnancy on television.
Compared to other children's biographies, this book's strength lies in the 'Who Was?' series format. It excels at making a historical figure highly accessible and relatable through simple prose, frequent illustrations, and sidebars that explain complex concepts (like vaudeville or the Hollywood studio system) in easy-to-understand terms. It effectively places Lucy's personal story within the broader context of American 20th-century history.
This biography follows the life of Lucille Ball from her childhood in Jamestown, New York, through her early struggles as a model and B-movie actress in Hollywood. It details her marriage to Cuban bandleader Desi Arnaz and their fight to create their own television show, 'I Love Lucy.' The book covers the revolutionary aspects of the show (filming in front of a live audience, using three cameras, depicting an interracial marriage), the creation of their studio, Desilu Productions, and Lucy's legacy as a beloved comedian and powerful businesswoman.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.