Take-Off (Bk & CD): American All-Girl Bands During World War II - Hardcover

Bolden, Tonya

3.71

7 ratings by Goodreads

9780375827976: Take-Off (Bk & CD): American All-Girl Bands During World War II

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0375827978 ISBN 13: 9780375827976

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2007

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

The 1940's was a time when society thought it improper for women to make a sax wail or let loose hot licks on skins, but with the advent of World War II and many men away fighting the war, women finally got their chance to strut their stuff on the bandstand. These all-girl bands kept morale high on the homefront and on USO tours of miltary bases across the globe while also helping to establish America's legacy in jazz music.

"Take-off?" Oh, yeah. Several all-girl bands did.

This book includes a hip swing CD.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author:

Tonya Bolden is the author of several books for young readers including Rock of Ages, The Champ, Cause: Reconstruction America, 1863-1877, and Maritcha, an ALA Notable Book, and Coretta Scott King Honor Book. She lives in New York City

From Booklist:

To appreciate this book, readers need at least a nodding acquaintance with swing music. The accompanying CD will help, and Bolden's introduction, which features opinions from Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, and others, gets things off to a good start. Then, using fascinating archival material, including newspaper and magazine articles and posters, all heavily captioned, she goes on to discuss pioneering female jazz bands, which gained steam particularly during World War II after most male band members went overseas. One problem is that a book about female musicians from the past doesn't have the hook of derring-do that accompanies books about women fliers or explorers. Bolden counters the difficulty by using a fresh style of writing, as bouncy as the music, and incorporating lots of slang--which works, up to a point. History students may be the best audience for this, but some kids will love the music and want to know more. Quotes are sourced and extensive lists for further reading and listening are provided. Ilene Cooper
Copyright � American Library Association. All rights reserved

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.