Here are five of my favorite books about women who used their musical talents to break down barriers in their lives and in society at large.
by Katheryn Russell-Brown, illustrated by Frank Morrison
Little Melba and Her Big Trombone is a fun picture book about the trailblazing jazz musician and arranger Melba Liston, starting with her childhood in Kansas City, Missouri, during the Great Depression, following her through her adult years as a trombone player in various bands, and then to her work as a music arranger and teacher. It's an excellent choice for early readers, or storytime for younger kids.
by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by J. Brian Pinkney
Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa is an elegant, dreamlike book telling the story of Ella Fitzgerald's musical life and career.
It earns the Self-Rescuing Princess Society seal of approval for its story of a downtrodden girl with a dream she refuses to give up, showing us the power of determination and hard work. This book is ideal for middle grade readers, but the artwork makes it an enchanting bedtime read for younger children as well. It's so beautiful it would make a good coffee table book for adult fans of this legendary singer.
by Renee Watson, illustrated by Christian Robinson
Harlem's Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills tells the story of a young woman with a beautiful voice -- which she used for singing and for speaking out about injustice.
It earns the Self-Rescuing Princess Society seal of approval for its portrayal of a brave woman determined to improve the lives of others. This book is a great early reader with clear language and colorful illustrations that perfectly capture each part of the story. It touches on issues around racism and shows how Florence fought against them at every turn in a way that even younger children can understand.
by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Raúl Colón
A Band of Angels: A Story Inspired by the Jubilee Singers is a beautiful story recounting an important piece of American history. Written as an old family story handed down through generations in the African American oral tradition, now being told to a child by her favorite aunt, the warmth of connection is easy to feel in this book.
It wins the Self-Rescuing Princess Society seal of approval for addressing the plain truths about post-slavery racism head-on, but in a way that small children can handle.
by Monica Brown, illustrated by Rafael Lopez
My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz/la vida de Celia Cruz is my favorite of the many children's books I've read in the last couple years. Rafael Lopez' illustrations are bright and colorful and perfectly capture the joy of life in Celia's music.
The story is told in English and Spanish, with each on the same page, making this a great book for bi-lingual kids, or kids who are learning a second language. It's a book that's great for middle-grade readers to enjoy on their own, but it is also perfect as a book for younger kids sitting on mom or dad's lap, swaying to the music.
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