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Showing 1 - 20 of 46 items
An inspiring portrait of an immigrant and the gift he gave his new home.Persecuted as Jews, Izzy Baline and his…
family emigrated from Russia to New York, where he fell in love with his new country. He heard music everywhere and was full to bursting with his own. Izzy's thump-two-three, ting-a-ling, whee tunes soon brought him acclaim as the sought-after songwriter Irving Berlin. He ignited the imaginations of fellow countrymen and women with his Broadway and Hollywood numbers, crafting tunes that have become classics we still sing today.But when darker times came and the nation went to war, it was time for Irving to compose a new kind of song:A boom-rah-rah song.A big brass belter.A loud heart-melter.A song for America.And so "God Bless America" was born, the heart swelling standard that Americans have returned to again and again after its 1918 composition.This is the tale of how a former refugee gave America one of its most celebrated patriotic songs. With stirring, rhythmic text by Adah Nuchi and delightful, energetic art by Rob Polivka, readers will be ready to hum along to this exuberant picturebook.By Soledad Romero Mariño. 2020
Behind-the-scenes stories and sophisticated artwork will give lifelong buffs and new fans alike a rare glimpse into the world of…
one of the most iconic bands ever, the Ramones!The Ramones are punk rock. It started in Queens, New York in the early seventies. Four shy boys who couldn't even play instruments got a couple guitars, found some ripped jeans and black leather jackets, and took over the world of punk.Lifelong rockers and new fans alike will love learning more about Joey, Johnny, Tommy, and Dee Dee and their journey to change the world of punk rock forever. So hurry, hurry, hurry, turn up the volume, and discover why their legendary music will continue to live on for generations to come.By Mona Golabek, Lee Cohen. 2021
Discover the inspiring illustrated true story about one girl's escape from the Holocaust to become a concert pianist against all…
odds, made popular by the beloved novel The Children of Willesden Lane.In pre-World War II Vienna, Lisa Jura was a musical prodigy who dreamed of becoming a concert pianist. But when enemy forces threatened the city—particularly the Jewish people that lived there—Lisa's parents were forced to make a difficult decision. They chose to send Lisa to London for safety through the Kindertransport—a rescue effort that relocated Jewish children. As Lisa yearned to be reunited with her family while living in a home for refugee children on Willesden Lane, her music became a beacon of hope for those around her.A true story of courage, survival, and determination, this compelling tribute to a gifted young girl has already touched the lives of many around the world. Originally published in 2017 for older readers, The Children of Willesden Lane has sold hundreds of thousands of copies globally; now this picture book retelling will inspire a new generation.By Running Press. 2021
Introduce your littlest rocker to early concepts through the creativity of Janis Joplin in this fun and entertaining book that…
is perfect for the next generation of music lovers. Featuring eleven spreads pairing elements of Janis Joplin with simple words, this is the book for any Janis fan, young or old. Baby Janis teaches babies and toddlers a variety of nouns (heart, baby, half moon, pearl, tattoo, guitar, etc.).By Cindy Watson. 2010
Short-listed for the 2011 Golden Oak Award From the moment three-year-old Jeff Healey first laid a guitar across his lap…
in what was to become his signature style, it was clear he was no ordinary kid. Losing both eyes to retinoblastoma, a rare form of cancer, opened a door to another world for Jeff, a newly adopted infant. Out of darkness he created music, becoming one of the most influential blues-rock and jazz performers of our time, beginning with his first hit album, See the Light. In this up-close and personal account, loaded with never-before-seen photographs, memorabilia, and intimate recollections of family, friends, and fellow musicians, we discover this unique music icon’s dynamic career, which saw him collaborate with everyone from George Harrison and Eric Clapton to B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughan. From Jeff’s lonely start one snowy night at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto to his untimely end in the same building, we come away with a potent message of empowerment and a renewed sense of hope.By Kate Messner, Margaret E. Powell. 2022
An inspiring picture book biography of the amazing Anne Lowe, the first nationally-known African American fashion designer! A careful snip,…
a delicate fold.Fabric the color of new petals.Skirts that flare like upside-down blossoms.A garden bursts into bloom! There is no "good enough."For Ann, only the best will do. Award-winning author Kate Messner, costume historian Margaret E. Powell, and fashion designer and illustrator Erin Robinson tell the powerful story of the ground-breaking Ann Lowe, who grew up in a small Alabama dress shop and became the first nationally-known African American fashion designer. Sought after by millionaires and movie stars, her designs walked the red carpet and graced the wedding of Senator John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier. At a time when the world around her thought African Americans deserved no more than second-class treatment, Ann expects no less of herself, and no less FOR herself, than the BEST. THE FIRST, FAMED BLACK FASHION DESIGNER: Although she faced many hardships, Anne's spirit, talent, and belief in herself always shone through. This story provides an empowering, real-life role model for young girls—and especially Black girls—to relate to and see themselves in, at an age when building self-confidence is more important than ever! ENCOURAGES CREATIVITY AND PERSERVERENCE: Full of interesting details about how Anne came up with her designs, and how she always forged ahead in spite of setbacks, this true story will captivate aspiring artists and young creative thinkers alike. SURE OF HER OWN WORTH: This book makes a perfect gift for anyone looking to celebrate, empower, and inspire the women in their lives—whether daughters, granddaughters, nieces, cousins, or friends. Ann Lowe stands as a testament to the power of knowing we're both capable of and deserve ONLY THE BEST. BEAUTIFUL, IMMERSIVE PROSE: Wonderful, vivacious writing by award-winning author Kate Messner and expert historian Margaret E. Powell brings Anne's pride in herself and her work to life in rich detail! Perfect for:Parents, grandparents, and caregiversTeachers and librariansReaders who loved Little Leaders and Parker Looks UpThe vast #WeNeedDiverseBooks communityAnyone seeking books about Black excellence, female empowerment, or Black historyGift-givers looking for a beautiful, inspirational book for the girls (or women) in their livesBy Carmen Oliver. 2022
An exuberantly illustrated true story about innovation, community, and the power of music.In Cateura, Paraguay, a town built on a…
landfill, music teacher Favio Chavez longed to help the families living and working amid the hills of trash. How could he help them find hope for the future? Favio started giving music lessons to Cateura&’s children, but soon he encountered a serious problem. He had more students than instruments!But Favio had a strange and wonderful idea: what if this recyclers&’ town had its own recycled orchestra? Favio and Colá, a brilliant local carpenter, began to experiment with transforming garbage into wonder. Old glue canisters became violins; paint cans became violas; drainpipes became flutes and saxophones. With repurposed instruments in their hands, the children of Cateura could fill their community—and the world—with the sounds of a better tomorrow.Based on an incredible true story, Building an Orchestra of Hope offers an unforgettable picture of human dignity reclaimed from unexpected sources. Carmen Oliver&’s inviting words and Luisa Uribe&’s dynamic illustrations create a stirring tribute to creativity, resilience, and the transformative nature of hope.By Chris Barton, Willie Nelson, Bobbie Nelson. 2021
The first ever children's book by music legend Willie Nelson and his sister and bandmate Bobbie Nelson! "We had so…
little money, but so much love." He was a boy with a guitar. She was a girl with a piano. Raised by loving grandparents in Depression-era rural Texas, their humble beginnings playing local shows to put food on the table started Willie and Bobbie Nelson on a remarkable path to global stardom. In a story filled with details of a childhood in rural Texas—with church socials, general stores, and town dances—Willie and Bobbie weave together an inspiring story of a long-ago time. With triumphs and tragedies, hard work and determination, here is a deeply personal, gorgeously-written, and profoundly moving tale of hope.By Who Hq, Lisbeth Kaiser. 2022
The latest addition to the Who HQ board book series: a biography of Celia Cruz, created specifically for the preschool…
audience! The #1 New York Times Bestselling Who Was? series expands into the board book space, bringing age-appropriate biographies of influential figures to readers ages 2-4.The chronology and themes of Celia Cruz's meaningful life are presented in a masterfully succinct text, with just a few sentences per page. The fresh, stylized illustrations are sure to captivate young readers and adults alike. With a read-aloud biographical summary in the back, this age-appropriate introduction honors and shares the life and songs of one of the most influential performers of our time.WHO WAS? BOARD BOOKS bring inspiring biographies to the youngest readers in an accessible and memorable way.By Who Hq, Lisbeth Kaiser. 2022
The first Spanish addition to the Who HQ board book series: a biography of Celia Cruz, created specifically for the…
preschool audience! ¡La primera adición en español de la serie de libros de cartón Who HQ: una biografía de Celia Cruz, creada específicamente para los niños de preescolar!The #1 New York Times Bestselling Who Was? series expands into the Spanish market, bringing age-appropriate biographies of influential figures to readers ages 2-4.The chronology and themes of Celia Cruz's meaningful life are presented in a masterfully succinct text, with just a few sentences per page. The fresh, stylized illustrations are sure to captivate young readers and adults alike. With a read-aloud biographical summary in the back, this age-appropriate introduction honors and shares the life and songs of one of the most influential performers of our time.WHO WAS? BOARD BOOKS bring inspiring biographies to the youngest readers in an accessible and memorable way. La serie "¿Quién fue?", la más vendida del New York Times, se expande al mercado de habla hispana, llevando biografías de personajes influyentes a lectores de 2 a 4 años. La cronología de la significativa vida de Celia Cruz y los temas de sus canciones, se presentan en un texto magistralmente sucinto, con solo unas pocas frases por página. Las frescas y estilizadas ilustraciones seguramente cautivarán a los jóvenes lectores y a los adultos por igual. Con un resumen biográfico para leer en voz alta en la parte posterior, esta introducción adecuada a la edad, honra y comparte la vida y las canciones de una de las intérpretes más influyentes de nuestro tiempo. ¿QUIÉN FUE? LIBROS DE CARTÓN trae las biografías más inspiradoras a los lectores más jóvenes de una manera accesible y memorable.By Traci N. Todd. 2021
A 2022 Coretta Scott King Book Award Honoree! This luminous, defining picture book biography illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Christian Robinson, tells…
the remarkable and inspiring story of acclaimed singer Nina Simone and her bold, defiant, and exultant legacy. Cover may vary.Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in small town North Carolina, Nina Simone was a musical child. She sang before she talked and learned to play piano at a very young age. With the support of her family and community, she received music lessons that introduced her to classical composers like Bach who remained with her and influenced her music throughout her life. She loved the way his music began softly and then tumbled to thunder, like her mother's preaching, and in much the same way as her career. During her first performances under the name of Nina Simone her voice was rich and sweet but as the Civil Rights Movement gained steam, Nina's voice soon became a thunderous roar as she raised her voice in powerful protest in the fight against racial inequality and discrimination.By Diana López. 2021
Un libro de cuentos ilustrado que celebra la vida y el legado de Selena Quintanilla, la querida Reina de la…
Música Tejana.Desde su etapa mas temprana, la joven Selena sabía como conectarse con la gente y unirlos con la música. Canta conmigo sigue su ascenso al estrellato, desde su puesto al frente de la banda familiar, cantando en rodeos y fiestas de quinceañera, hasta su presentación frente a miles en el Astrodomo de Houston. Los lectores jóvenes se sentirán empoderados por la dedicación de Selena--aprendiendo el idioma español aún siendo adolescente, diseñando su propio vestuario, y viajando por toda la nación, compartiendo con el mundo el orgullo por sus raíces mexico-americanas y su amor a la música y a la moda.By Gary Golio. 2021
James Ransome's glorious art celebrates jazz icon Sonny Rollins and how he found an inspired spot to practice his saxophone…
when his neighbors complained.Sonny Rollins loved his saxophone. As a teenager, he was already playing with jazz stars and making a name for himself. But in 1959, at age twenty-nine, he took a break from performing—to work on being a better, not just famous, musician. Practicing in a city apartment didn&’t please the neighbors, so Sonny found a surprising alternative—the Williamsburg Bridge. There, with his head in the clouds and foghorns for company, Sonny could play to his heart&’s content and perfect his craft. It was a bold choice, for a bold young man and musician.Sonny&’s passion for music comes alive in jazzy text and vivid, evocative paintings of New York City. His story celebrates striving to be your very best self, an inspiration to music lovers young and old.By Gary Golio. 2020
The poignant story of Blind Willie Johnson--the legendary Texas musician whose song "Dark Was the Night" was included on the…
Voyager I space probe's Golden RecordWillie Johnson was born in 1897, and from the beginning he loved to sing--and play his cigar box guitar. But his childhood was interrupted when he lost his mother and his sight. How does a blind boy make his way in the world? Fortunately for Willie, the music saved him and brought him back into the light. His powerful voice, combined with the wailing of his slide guitar, moved people. Willie made a name for himself performing on street corners all over Texas. And one day he hit it big when he got a record deal and his songs were played on the radio. Then in 1977, his song--"Dark Was the Night"--was chosen to light up the darkness when it was launched into space on the Voyager I space probe's famous Golden Record. His immortal song was selected for the way it expresses the loneliness humans all feel, while reminding us we're not alone.By Carole Boston Weatherford, Raul Colon. 2014
A stunning picture-book biography of iconic African American opera star Leontyne Price. Born in a small town in Mississippi in…
1927, the daughter of a midwife and a sawmill worker, Leontyne Price might have grown up singing the blues. But Leontyne had big dreams--and plenty to be thankful for--as she surrounded herself with church hymns and hallelujahs, soaked up opera arias on the radio, and watched the great Marian Anderson grace the stage. While racism made it unlikely that a poor black girl from the South would pursue an opera career, Leontyne's wondrous voice and unconquerable spirit prevailed. Bursting through the door Marian had cracked open, Leontyne was soon recognized and celebrated for her leading roles at the Metropolitan Opera and around the world--most notably as the majestic Ethiopian princess in Aida, the part she felt she was born to sing.From award-winners Carole Boston Weatherford and Raul Colón comes the story of a little girl from Mississippi who became a beloved star--one whose song soared on the breath of her ancestors and paved the way for those who followed.By Renee Watson, Christian Robinson. 2012
Zora and Langston. Billie and Bessie. Eubie and Duke. If the Harlem Renaissance had a court, they were its kings…
and queens. But there were other, lesser known individuals whose contributions were just as impactful, such as Florence Mills. Born to parents who were former-slaves Florence knew early on that she loved to sing. And that people really responded to her sweet, bird-like voice. Her dancing and singing catapulted her all the way to the stages of 1920s Broadway where she inspired songs and even entire plays! Yet with all this success, she knew firsthand how bigotry shaped her world. And when she was offered the role of a lifetime from Ziegfeld himself, she chose to support all-black musicals instead. Fans of When Marian Sang and Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa will jump at the chance to discover another talented performer whose voice transcended and transformed the circumstances society placed on her.By Bonnie Christensen. 2001
Woody Guthrie spent his life putting into words and music what the rest of America was thinking. He roamed from…
coast to coast and captured the despair of those displaced by the Great Depression and the dust bowl, eulogized workers, and celebrated the great natural beauty of America. This is an introductory biography presented as a picture book with a brief lyrical text and powerful, hand-tinted, woodcut-like illustrations. It includes the complete lyrics to “This Land Is Your Land” and excerpts from his other songs. A book for all ages, it makes this talented and tragic man accessible to young children and will please his older folksinging fans with its stunning art.By Alice Brière-Haquet. 2017
With evocative black-and-white illustrations and moving prose, readers are introduced to jazz-music legend and civil-rights activist Nina Simone. A stunning picture-book…
biography of the High Priestess of Soul and one of the greatest voices of the 20th century. Shared as a lullaby to her daughter, a soulful song recounts Simone's career, the trials she faced as an African American woman, and the stand she took during the Civil Rights Movement. This poignant picture book offers a melodic tale that is both a historic account of an iconic figure and an extraordinary look at how far we've come and how far we still need to go for social justice and equality. A timeless and timely message aptly appropriate for today's social and political climates.♦ "A good introduction to Simone&’s life, from her early love of music to her rise to the status of legend" —Kirkus Reviews, starred review♦ "Strikingly illustrated" —Booklist, starred review♦ "Hauntingly beautiful illustrations" —Foreword Reviews, starred review"Stirring and powerful. . . " —BookPageBy Susan Goldman Rubin. 2015
"Life without music is unthinkable."—Leonard Bernstein, FindingsWhen Lenny was two years old, his mother found that the only way to…
soothe her crying son was to turn on the Victrola. When his aunt passed on her piano to Lenny’s parents, the boy demanded lessons. When Lenny went to school, he had the most fun during "singing hours."But Lenny’s love of music was met with opposition from the start. Lenny’s father, a successful businessman, wanted Lenny to follow in his footsteps. Additionally, the classical music world of the 1930s and 1940s was dominated by Europeans—no American Jewish kid had a serious chance to make a name for himself in this field.Beginning with Lenny’s childhood in Boston and ending with his triumphant conducting debut at Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic when he was just twenty-five, MUSIC WAS IT draws readers into the energetic, passionate, challenging, music-filled life of young Leonard Bernstein.Archival photographs, mostly from the Leonard Bernstein Collection at the Library of Congress, illustrate this fascinating biography, which also includes a foreword by Bernstein’s daughter Jamie. Extensive back matter includes biographies of important people in Bernstein’s life, as well as a discography of his music.By Jonah Winter. 2019
Elvis Presley--the King of Rock 'n' Roll, still beloved by millions of Americans--comes to vibrant, gyrating life in this extraordinary…
picture-book biography from an award-winning author and the winner of a New York Times Best Illustrated Book Award.Here's the perfect book for anyone who wants to introduce rock 'n' roll and its king to the child in their lives. In single- page "chapters" with titles like "The First Cheeseburger Ever Eaten by Elvis" and "Shazam! A Blond Boy Turns into a Black-Haired Teenager," readers can follow key moments in Presley's life, from his birth on the wrong side of the railroad tracks in the Deep South, to playing his first guitar in grade school, to being so nervous during a performance as a teenager that he starts shaking . . . and changes the world!Jonah Winter and Red Nose Studio have created a tour-de-force that captures a boy's loneliness and longing, along with the energy and excitement, passion, and raw talent that was Elvis Presley."Readers will want to pore over this thoroughly engaging volume." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review