The blues singers Book

Summary
This book is of a grandfather talking to his granddaughter about ten of the greatest blues artist and artist that affected the blues industry. When his granddaughter would visit in the summer, he would tell his granddaughter stories about different people in history. This one particular summer he wanted to introduce her to blues singers. In each chapter he talks about the struggles and successes in the lives of blues greats Bessie Smith (“the Empress of the Blues”), Robert Johnson (“the King of the Delta Blues Singers”), Mahalia Jackson, Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) Billie Holiday, (“Lady Day”), B.B. King (born Riley B. King), Ray Charles (born Ray Charles Robinson), Little Richard (born Richard Wayne Penniman), James Brown, and Aretha Franklin. The childlike bright paintings appeal to the senses of children giving them a feeling of who theses artist are/were.

Response
This book reminded me of my childhood. When I was in elementary school we were introduced to different types of music, instruments and artist. We were all taught how to play different instruments, taking turns with each instrument for about a week or so. I artist we learned about that I remember was Mahalia Jackson. I remember her because I had the opportunity to meet her a couple of times, at a church and in the home of some of her relatives.

Classroom Connection
After reading the book to the class I would connect this book to a research and writing assignment. I would have students research other great blues artist whose life was not detailed in the book. I would have them write about artist such as Willie Dixon, Howlin’ Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, Robert Junior Lockwood, Etta James, Ma Rainey, and Koko Taylor. They will detail the artist birth date, childhood, how they developed and interest in music, when they started in music, first recordings, and all awards and accomplishment.

Text Complexity
This book is a 1040L Lexile measure with a Guided Reading level T. There is an interest level of Grades PreK – 3 and DRA level of 50. Students should be able to read this book by themselves during the beginning of 5th Grade.