Starred Review ALA Booklist (Tue Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2016)

Starred Review In 1958, Esquire was preparing an issue on American jazz, and graphic designer Art Kane pitched the idea of getting as many jazz greats together as possible for a black-and-white photograph. So far, not much here to grab a young audience, right? But sometimes books, like music, are more than the sum of their hooks. Orgill, who has written about jazz for adults (and Ella Fitzgerald for children) is here paired with artist Vallejo, a welcome newcomer to the world of picture books, and they offer a memorable ode to a time and place, a celebration of music that was both hot and cool, and an endearing snapshot of the men and women who wrote, played, and sang jazz. Kane's photograph, Harlem, 1958, is here immortalized in Orgill's poetry, which swings and sways, and Vallejo's vibrant artwork, which captures not just the players but the mood on 126th Street where the photo shoot took place. That there were kids there on that day, leaning out of windows and grabbing Count Basie's hat, adds a child-friendly dimension. For those who want more, there's an enlightening author's note, short but sturdy biographies of those featured in the poems, a list of related books and films, and a key to the photo with all 57 musicians named.

School Library Journal Starred Review (Mon Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 2016)

Gr 4 Up-A collection of poetry that focuses on the day graphic designer Art Kane orchestrated the iconic 1958 photograph of American jazz greats on a stoop in Harlem. Though many may recognize the photograph, fewer will know the story of its creation. While working on a special issue of Esquire magazine dedicated to jazz, Kane decided to see how many musicians he could gather in one place. The book starts on the morning the photograph was taken, with Kane standing in the street he's closed for the occasion, nervously hoping his call for appearances will be heeded. The verse spotlights the cast of characters that slowly materializes, with some short biographic poems and even one about Count Basie's hat. The offerings lead up to a foldout spread of the photograph itself, cued by a black page with the word click in white print. The remaining selections address the issue's immediate reception and laud Kane's accomplishment. The text is accompanied by vibrant, spectacular acrylic and pastel paintings by debut illustrator Vallejo. The volume includes an introduction, a lengthy author's note (with a useful key to the photograph), and short biographies of the major players. VERDICT A rich, unique, playful, and masterfully orchestrated work; Kane himself would undoubtedly be proud. Jill Heritage Maza, Montclair Kimberley Academy, Montclair, NJ

Horn Book

On August 12, 1958, fifty-plus jazz musicians gathered in Harlem for a group photo shoot. This iconic photo is the springboard for a series of twenty-one poems and a set of personality-rich illustrations. The words take you back to the photo--reproduced here as a gatefold spread--and the excellent list of sources leads you back to the music. Websites. Bib.