Rent Party Jazz
- Subject
- Social Themes - Values & Virtues
- Age
- 6-8 years
- Format
- Trade Paperback
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Lee & Low Books
- Size
- 21.1 cm × 26.7 cm
- ISBN
- 9781600603440
Storyline Online Selection - SAG-AFTRA Foundation / Storyline Online
An African American boy living in New Orleans in the 1930s raises money to pay the rent with the help of a popular jazz musician.
In New Orleans in the 1930s, young Sonny Comeaux has to work before school to help his mother make ends meet. When Mama loses her job, Sonny is worried. Rent day is coming soon, and if they miss paying by just one day, the landlord will put them out on the street and sell off their belongings.
Sonny wanders sadly through Jackson Square after school one day. His attention is caught by Smilin' Jack, a popular jazz musician. Sonny returns day after day, and soon finds himself explaining his problem to Smilin' Jack. What Smilin' Jack offers Sonny then-how to raise money for the rent while having the world's best party-changes both their lives forever.
Award-winning author William Miller tells his most affecting story yet, accompanied by Charlotte Riley-Webb's brilliantly-colored paintings that perfectly capture the lively rhythms of New Orleans jazz. This is a powerful story of family, friendship, and people coming together to help others in a time of need.
About the creators
William MillerAuthor
William Miller is the award-winning author of numerous books for children for Lee & Low. Mr. Miller lives in York, Pennsylvania, where he teaches African American literature and creative writing at York College.
Charlotte Riley-WebbIllustrator
Charlotte Riley-Webb is a fine artist whose paintings have appeared in more than 25 major exhibitions worldwide. Much of her work focuses on visually documenting her African American heritage, and the significance of music to that heritage can be seen in the rhythm, movement, and colors of her paintings. Rent Party Jazz, a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People, was praised for its lively, colorful, and flowing style by School Library Journal. Riley-Webb and her husband live in Locust Grove, Georgia. To find out more about Charlotte Riley-Webb, visit her website: www.charlotterileywebb.com.
Data provided by BiblioShare.
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What reviewers said
"Celebrates both community and the uplifting power of music. Evocative artwork, done in broad, swirling strokes, fills pages with color and motion that echoes jazzy rhythms and the spirit of the story as it expressively portrays the times and the diverse characters. . . . An inspiring, heartwarming story, illustrating how individuals and groups can make a difference."
"Captures the strength and energy of New Orleans in thick, bold swirls of acrylic paint that practically burst from the pages. . . Simply terrific."
"Uplifting. . . . Riley-Webb's gaily hued acrylic paintings seem to keep time with the music. Composed of swirling, broad strokes, the art evokes the mood of the jazz riffs as it depicts the streets of the French Quarter."
"The bold acrylic illustrations on two-page spreads are dramatic, lively, upbeat, and colorful, and have a flowing style that is almost musical. . . . A universal, rewarding story of people reaching out to others in need."
Storyline Online Selection - SAG-AFTRA Foundation / Storyline Online
ALSC Notable Children's Books - American Library Association (ALA)
Best Children's Books of the Year - Bank Street College of Education
CCBC Choices - Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People - National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)
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