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
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