Before John Was a Jazz Giant : A Song of John Coltrane

Before John Was a Jazz Giant
Author(s): Carole Boston Weatherford

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.

Review(s):

“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

Long-listed Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year, Commended Coretta Scott King Honor, Illustrator (2009), Long-listed ALA Notable Children's Books (2009), Winner CCBC Choice (Univ. of WI) (2009), Winner NCSS-CBC NotableTrade-Soc.Stdy, Commended Golden Kite Honor Book (2009), Long-listed Michigan Great Lakes Great Books Award Master List, Long-listed CPL: Chicago Public Library Best of the Best

ISBN:  9781250822703