Jazz

Written by Walter Dean Myers

Illustrated by Christopher Myers

Bibliographic data

Myers, Walter D. 2006. Jazz. Ill. by Christopher Myers. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 9780823415458

Plot Summary

This book is a collection of poems written and illustrated by a father/son duo. This collection commemorates the background and different varieties of Jazz music and instruments.

Critical Analysis

This book starts with 2 pages of an introduction that defines jazz and its roots. This is very helpful for readers with little or no knowledge of the history of jazz. At the end of the book there is a glossary of jazz terms and a time line of jazz from the 1800s to today.

The rhythms throughout the collection are exceptional and really encompass the reader. Some of the poems use matching sounds for rhyme, where others do not. Most of the poems that do have rhyme do not necessarily have it throughout the poem but strategically placed. One example of a rhyming poem is “Good-Bye to Old Bob Johnson.” The second half of the poem goes like this, “The drums are solemn as we walk along/ The banjo twangs a gospel song/ Let the deacons preach and the widow cry/ While a sad horn sounds a last good-bye/ Good-Bye to Old Bob Johnson/ Good-bye.”

There are several poems where Myers uses onomatopoeia to convey the sounds of the instruments. He uses “Thum, Thum” for the Bass, “rat-a-tatting” for the drums, and “Be ba boodie, be ba boodie, boo” for the jazz beat. Myers does a phenomenal job at selecting his text so that the reader feels the emotion and imagery of the poems. Throughout the collection Myers incorporates rhythm, soul, America, beats, pianos, horns, bass’, vocals, blues, drums, and the love of music.

Christopher Myers’ bold illustrations provide perfect visuals to his father’s poems. Christopher uses acrylic and ink to create the curving lines of his images. His artistic technique helps emphasize the rhythm, beat, and style of each poem.

This would be a great collection to introduce children to music and jazz. All ages should be able to appreciate the illustrations and text of this fabulous collection.

Review Excerpts

•  Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor 2007
• “Middle-graders will feel the sound of the words and pictures working together, and younger kids will hear and see that connection when adults share the book with them. “ Booklist starred review
• “This offering stands as a welcome addition to the literature of jazz: In a genre all too often done poorly for children, it stands out as one of the few excellent treatments.” Kirkus Reviews starred review

Connections

• Have the students listen to some different jazz music, discuss the different instruments, and what kind of jazz they believe it to be.
• Have the students read Harlem and Black Cat, and compare the collections.