Struttin’ with Some Barbecue

9781580897402Struttin’ with Some Barbecue: Lil Hardin Armstrong becomes the First Lady of Jazz 

by Patricia Hruby Powell

Illustrated by Rachel Himes 

Charlesbridge, 2018

Almost everyone has heard of jazz trumpet player Louis Armstrong, but what of his wife, Lil Hardin? In this illustrated,  novel-in-verse, Patricia Hruby Powell introduces us to the the talented piano player and composer, Lil Hardin. She was Louis Armstrong’s wife, his early manager, and the composer of several famous jazz hits of the day, including “Struttin’ with Some Barbecue.” With or without her famous husband, Lil Hardin was destined to be a star.

Short chapters in chronological order start with Liz’s upbringing with her strict mother—a staunch foe of “race music,” as jazz was called at the time.  However, Liz’s talent, drive, and ability to make money, finally won over her disapproving mother.  Lil began dating the shy Louis Armstrong in 1922. Together they played music, married, and rose to the top,

Lil and Louis

were struttin’ high on the hog

right there in Chicago,

up from the South,

makin’

raw and raucous

rompin’, rollickin’

music.

Dang, they were musical royalty—

inventing

a new kind of sound—

makin’

jazz.

After reading Struttin’ with Some Barbecue, you won’t be able to look up
a recording of Lil’s music fast enough.  I’ve saved you the trouble.
A link to listen to “Struttin’ with Some Barbecue” is on my blog, Shelf-employed.

In addition to a glossary, bibliography, index, etc., back matter includes additional information on Lil, jazz, and racial conditions of the era.

My copy of Struttin’ with Some Barbecue was provided by the publisher.

You can read all of my reviews on my blog, Shelf-employed.

nonfiction.monday

It’s Nonfiction Monday!

Copyright © 2019 L Taylor All Rights Reserved.

Strong is the New Pretty

9781523505500_3DStrong is the New Pretty: A Guided Journal for Girls

By Kate T. Parker

Workman, 2018

Strong is the New Pretty: A guided journal for girls is a tween book that celebrates the power of girls from ages 7-14.  The book combines activity, writing, and drawing prompts with photos, quotes, and challenges. The pages are colorfully decorated and invite doodling and note-taking.  The blue elastic cord is attached with grommets and keeps the book from flapping open, and a colorful orange ribbon is sewn into the binding to mark the reader’s page.  Strong is the New Pretty is for princesses, athletes, bookworms, and dreamers.

If you’re looking for a holiday gift for a young girl, Strong is the New Pretty is inspirational and a perfect gift for a strong young girl in your life.  If you can purchase it from an independent bookstore, so much the better.

Though I usually review library books, this is definitely not a library book.  It is intended to be a celebration of one special girl, and used until it’s frayed and tattered.

Note: My copy of Strong is the New Pretty was provided by the publisher.  See all of my reviews on my blog, Shelf-employed.

 

Copyright © 2018 L Taylor All Rights Reserved.

Fire prevention books, songs, and activities

 Fire Prevention Week  just passed, but it’s never the wrong time for fire safety.  I was asked to visit a preschool class of 3-year-olds for Fire Prevention Week. These nonfiction titles and activities are suitable for younger preschoolers. The books have simple sentences with easily decoded pictures. You won’t need three, but it’s nice to have a choice.

For songs and activities, we played a “Hot or Not Hot” sorting game, sang “Hurry, Hurry, Drive the Fire Truck,” and built a felt board fire engine with the song “The Wheels on the Truck.”

You can find the details on these activities, as well as some fiction choices on my blog, Shelf-employed.

https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3atzv2Fj5bo/W8Nc0MbGtXI/AAAAAAAAIm0/ikedGXzpOF8k5UAgg5HBfqKBKWN5kYaKQCLcBGAs/s1600/Fire%2Btruck.jpg