J is for Jazz

Gr 2–4—Using an alphabet book structure, this slim volume offers its readers a basic introduction to jazz. The opening two-page "Story of Jazz" provides background to set the stage for the alphabetical one-liners: "A is for America's Music. It ab-so-tive-ly began with African American rhythms. And how!" Bold, geometric illustrations always include an artistic interpretation of the featured word and its letter hidden within: Benny Goodman's arm makes a "G" and Jelly Roll Morton's tie creates a "J." Many pages feature asides highlighting jazz slang and vernacular: "They put on their glad rags and got a wiggle on!" "When this jazzman picked up his licorice stick, he could really groove." Pages highlight important people, places, instruments, musical terms, and expressions that play a role in jazz history, including "Floorflushers," " Improvisation," "Kansas City," and "Zoot Suits." Always a complicated letter, "X" stands for "aXe," which readers may need to refer to the extensive and helpful glossary to understand. A bright and serviceable first dip into this genre of music.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA