Book Review: Jazz

Jazz by Walter Dean Meyers

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Myers, Walter Dean. 1998. JAZZ. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0823421732

PLOT SUMMARY:

This book is a collection of poems encompassing the topic of jazz music. There is a detailed introduction informing the reader of how jazz music came about. Through this collection of poems, you discover how jazz originated and where it is going.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

The author’s poetry in this book is rhythmic and almost like the lyrics of a song. The author uses a lot of sensory language making it easier to envision what is happening while you are reading. Repeated phrases are used again and again making the experience feel intentionally melodic. The illustrations in this book pair perfectly with the rich poetry. They fill the expanse of the page with saturated jewel tone colors. On each page, the pictures heighten what is happening in the poem. You can visualize what is happening, but also what they are feeling.

REVIEW EXERPT(S):

One of TIME's 100 Best Children's Books of All Time

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Honor Book

American Library Association Notable Children’s Book

Book Links Best New Book for the Classroom

Booklist Editor’s Choice Selection

Booklist Top 10 Black History Title for Youth

Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Text (SCBWI)

Hans Christian Andersen Award Honor List (Illustrator Honor)

International Reading Association Notable Book for a Global Society

Kirkus Reviews Editor’s Choice Award

Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Image Award for Outstanding Literacy Work in Poetry Nominee

New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing

Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production (First)

Parenting Magazine “Mom-Tested” Book of the Year

Publishers Weekly 100 Best Books of the Year

CONNECTIONS:

This book would pair with music education and teaching about black musicians, musicians, instruments, and the personal experiences of the subjects.

An author study of the poet Walter Dean Meyers using the books: Jazz, Here in Harlem and We are America. These are all powerful collections of poems that communicate human experiences.

Based on a review by Barbara Jean Thompson