African-American Music (revised)
There are many great picture books on music with African-American characters; this would be a great theme for Black History Month or anytime! For a craft project, make an African drum: www.dltk-kids.com/world/africa/mdrum.htm. Play music during the craft time to add to the experience.
Cox, Judy. My Family Plays Music. An African-American girl describes the various genres of music her family members play.
Ehrhardt, Karen. This Jazz Man. Various musicians are introduced in this clever take-off of “This Old Man.”
Isadora, Rachel. Ben’s Trumpet. Ben yearns for a real trumpet but plays an imaginary one until he can obtain the real thing.
Johnson, Angela. Violet’s Music. Violet wants to play music and looks for like-minded friends.
Marsalis, Wynton. Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp! A Sonic Adventure. Filled with onomatopoeia, this celebrates a variety of musical instruments.
Pinkney, Brian. Max Found Two Sticks. Max drums on found objects to imitate the sounds of the city.
Raschka, Christopher. John Coltrane’s Giant Steps. A unique interpretation of one of Coltrane’s signature musical compositions.
Wheeler, Lisa. Jazz Baby. Baby gets the entire family clapping and dancing in this joyous story.