Before John Was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane by Carole Boston Weatherford;
Paperback
Ages 5-9
A lyrical picture book biography of John Coltrane that focuses on his childhood.
Young John Coltrane was all ears. And there was a lot to hear, growing up in the south during the 1930s: church songs, preachers praying, music on the radio, and the bustling of the household. John was surrounded by all kinds of vivid noises that shaped his own sound as a musician. With vibrant words and glowing colors, Carole Boston Weatherford and Sean Qualls compose an amazingly rich hymn to the childhood of jazz legend John Coltrane.
Before John Was a Jazz Giant is a 2009 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book and a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
“Weatherford's evocative poem traces Coltrane's influences simply and stunningly. Qualls's muted palette of rich hues suggests the smoky jazz moods he would create.” --School Library Journal
“Even children who are unfamiliar with jazz in general and John Coltrane in particular may find their interest piqued.” --Horn Book
“Will echo with contemporary children, who will recognize the music in their daily lives.” --Booklist
“This is as much a subtle invitation for children to listen to their own worlds as it is a Coltrane biography.” --Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books