Book details
If I Only Had a Horn: Young Louis Armstrong
Description
Roxane Orgill's vivid words and Leonard Jenkins's dramatic pictures combine to tell the story of a boy who grew up to be a giant of jazz—the legendary and beloved Louis Armstrong. As a poor boy in New Orleans, where music was everywhere—dancing out of doorways, singing on street corners, crying from the cornet of the great Joe Oliver for all to hear—Louis longed for a horn so that he too could sing, bring home pennies, and, most of all, tap happy-feet blues till the sun rose. It wasn't going to be easy. Many things, not all of them good, had to happen before he got his horn. But when at last he did, he sent music spiraling up into the New Orleans night sky like a spinning top gone crazy.
Age
4-8
Text complexity
proficient
Length
32 pages
Why to read
- Educational Value: The book provides an insightful look into the early life of Louis Armstrong, offering readers a chance to learn about the history of jazz and the cultural context of the time period in which Armstrong grew up.
- Inspirational Story: Louis Armstrong's journey from a poor child in New Orleans to one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century is a powerful tale of perseverance and dedication, which can inspire readers of all ages.
- Artistic Illustrations: Leonard Jenkins' unique and expressive illustrations capture the spirit of Armstrong's music and the vibrancy of his world, making the book a visual treat as well as an educational one.
- Cultural Appreciation: Reading this book can help foster an appreciation for the contributions of African American artists to American culture and encourage an understanding of the social issues they faced.