LS 5663 Module 5: Hopkins Award Poetry

Jazz

Myers, Walter Dean. 2006. JAZZ. Ill. Christopher Myers. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 978-0-8234-1545-8.

Review:

JAZZ is a collection of poems that illustrates the rhythm and roots of jazz music. 

Beginning with an introduction that gives readers a fairly in-depth look into the creation and evolution of jazz music, Walter Dean Myers celebrates what he calls "America's gift to the world".

Using rhythm, rhyme, and emotions, Myers poems give insight into the African-American culture that helped create this soulful music. As an added benefit to readers, Myers included a glossary of jazz terms and a jazz time line from the 1800's to today.

Illustrator Christopher Myers created intense, visually appealing art work that perfectly complements his father's poetry. He used vibrant colors, curved lines, and visible brushstrokes to bring the illustrations to life. You almost expect to hear music coming from the pages. The illustration of the trumpet player dressed in all white on a deep magenta page for the poem Session I was especially eye-catching to me.

Highlighted Poem:

It's Jazz

I hear the call of the cornet
I hear a swinging clarinet
They're playing HOT jazz in the heat
Of old New Orleans
The rattling banjo pays its dues
To the Preservation blues
They're playing HOT jazz in the heat
Of old New Orleans
There's a crazy syncopation
And it's tearing through the nation
And it's bringing sweet elation
To every single tune
It's jazz
There's a drummer rat-a-tatting
There's a patent shoe that's patting
While a laid-back cat is scatting
About flying to the moon
It's jazz
In the HEAT of New Orleans

Possible Uses:


Music teachers could use this book to introduce jazz. Teachers could also use this book in a study of contributions of African-Americans.