Books offer lessons on practice, perseverance and following dreams. Forever Young By Bob Dylan Illustrated by Paul Rogers Best for: Ages 5-10
The lyrics of Bob Dylan’s 1974 song “Forever Young” provide the text for this quasi-biography. Paul Rogers’s illustrations fill two-page spreads with vignettes of Dylan’s life in Greenwich Village, the Newport Folk Festival, marching at a 1960s peace demonstration and other details. The street scenes are filled with Dylan’s friends and idols. See if you can spot Jack Kerouac, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger and others. Note all of the city landmarks as well. For parents and grandparents, Forever Young is a fun Where’s Waldo? of hidden references. For those not yet exposed to Dylan, Rogers offers endnotes about the illustrations and listening recommendations.
What’s good: Intriguing illustrations make you want to find all the hidden references. What’s bad: Younger readers may lose interest in all the references designed for parents and grandparents. Leontyne Price: Voice of a Century By Carole Boston WeatherfordIllustrated by Raul Colón Best for: Ages 5-9
Beautifully depicted with lyrical narration and evocatively-etched watercolors, this book brings to life the story of pioneering African American opera singer Leontyne Price. From the segregated Mississippi Delta of 1927 to a 42-minute standing ovation at the Metropolitan Opera House in 1955, details of her journey draw readers in. Loved by her parents, guided by a college professor and inspired by Marian Anderson’s historic 1939 performance on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Leontyne went on to star on Broadway before becoming the first black singer to star at Italy’s famed opera house, La Scala. This is a great tale of perseverance, hard work and following a dream. A wonderful addition for any classroom.
What’s good: Progressive illustrations that keep the attention of young readers. What’s bad: The biographical endnotes could have filled in the story’s gap a little better. Eddie Red Undercover: Mystery in Mayan Mexico By Marcia WellsIllustrated by Marcos Cal Best for: Ages 8-12
Imagine Nancy Drew as an African American teenage boy and you’re well on your way to understanding Eddie Red. He and his photographic memory already helped the NYPD solve an art heist in the first installment of this mystery series. In this, the second installment, Eddie and his OCD friend Jonah are traveling to Mexico with Eddie’s family for a conference/vacation. Of course, there is a robbery at their hotel, and believe it or not, Eddie’s father is a suspect. With the help of some local characters, Eddie and his friends set out to solve the crime and save the day.
What’s good: Fast-paced and generously sprinkled with adolescent humor. What’s bad: Plot twists and turns aplenty—some stretch believability.