Music Books

The year is 1985>That is, until she meets banjoist, Alexa Mae King. Alexa Mae plays Appalachian music, writes, songs, and sings in music videos. Milana's creative interest is sparked. Soon, the two form a musical duo with a dream of performing at the Grand Ole Opry. But, while reaching for their shared star, each girl struggles with a family crisis, faces the affects of jealousy, and deals with peer bullying.

Introduce young children to traditional instruments from West Africa with this book from The Why Book series. Join The Why Squad - Olivia, Zaki, Phoebe, and Callum - as they embark on an adventure to learn about amazing instruments from countries in West Africa. From djembes to koras, this book highlights colorful illustrations and a diverse and inclusive classroom representation to help children see themselves on every page. Can you spot all the hidden instruments? The QR code at the back of the book provides an interactive map to explore these instruments further. The Why Squad's curiosity and eagerness to learn make this book a must-have.The Why Squad are four friends names Olivia, Zaki, Phoebe and Callum, who are curious about everything and eager to learn and explore.

From the bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, Shakira tells the story of the world’s most incredible Latin American singer.

Created in partnership with Ebony Jr., this Little Golden Book biography celebrates the life and legacy of singer, performer, and activist Harry Belafonte. When Harry Belafonte was a little boy, he moved from Harlem, New York, to live with his grandmother in Jamaica. There, Harry fell in love with Calypso music. It was the seed that blossomed into a life dedicated to inspiring people through music. This moving biography chronicles his life and career--as an actor, a singer, and a civil rights activist who has always sought to make a difference while encouraging people to treat each other with respect and kindness.

Willie Nelson, singer-songwriter of such hits as "On the Road Again" and "You Were Always on My Mind," is the subject of this Little Golden Book biography. Children -- as well as adult fans -- will be inspired by Willie's activism and work with Farm Aid and how he always stayed true to himself by dressing how he liked and creating the music he wanted to share! --

Kids love music! Hamish and the Double Bass is a celebration of making music with friends. Hamish and the Double Bass takes the listener and the reader on an adventure. A small boy, Hamish, who loves going to concerts, by chance meets the lonely Double Bass, a big instrument that Hamish is way too small to play. With a little bit of magical encouragement from the Double Bass Hamish goes off with his friends to learn to play the smaller instruments of the orchestra. All the children have fun practising their instruments, and not wanting to miss out of being part of the story, have made up whimsical rhymes about themselves. One day, on realising how tall he has grown Hamish races back to the city to find the Double Bass. Together, with great excitement they head off to play with all their friends in the biggest orchestra of all.Most children's first experience of learning to play is through the instruments of the orchestra. The book provides these children, and others who may simply enjoy listening and watching with a positive contemporary story about the orchestra: the excitement and the adventure of going to a concert, the moment of anticipation before the music begins, the imagined places music can take them to and the possibility of growing up to play in an orchestra and the joy of making music with friends.An underlying subtext is secure attachment, a relationship given by parents, in this case Grandma, who provides a safe base from whichthe child can grow up into confident independence.With its beautiful illustrations by Becky Stout of Rock Sheep Studio the book is full of energy, warmth and movement and will delight children between the ages of 3 to 7 years. It gives a new and contemporary perspective on the orchestra and perhaps more importantly, of making music together. With its appropriate culturally diverse characters the book will appeal to young children of the modern world. With schools in mind some questions would lead to a discussion. For example:What do you like about this story?Do you play an instrument or know anyone who plays an instrument?Which instrument would you like to learn to play? Why?What do you think would be good about playing music with others?A wonderful diversity of instruments, ideas and activities may be identified though this discussion.Why someone would want to read Hamish and the Double BassHamish and the Double Bass is a contemporary and accessible story. It allows kids to imagine learning an instrument, becoming a musician and perhaps more simply, making music with others. As Hamish and his friends grow the story realistically but gently conveys the journey of how to become a musician, emphasising that while it takes time and effort, there is lots of fun and happiness to be had along the way. "It really captures what it feels like to be captivated by music, to be drawn in by it and have it fill your imagination and soul!" Zoe Barry, Winner, 2021 Telstra Aria Music Teacher Awards

"Lyons delivers the history of a song that has inspired generations of African-Americans to persist and resist in the face of racism and systemic oppression. . . . A heartfelt history of a historic anthem." —Publishers Weekly Now in paperback.Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us.Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us.In Jacksonville, Florida, two brothers, one of them the principal of a segregated, all-black school, wrote the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing" so his students could sing it for a tribute to Abraham Lincoln's birthday in 1900. From that moment on, the song has provided inspiration and solace for generations of Black families. Mothers and fathers passed it on to their children who sang it to their children and grandchildren. Known as the Black National Anthem, it has been sung during major moments of the Civil Rights Movement and at family gatherings and college graduations. Inspired by this song's enduring significance, Kelly Starling Lyons and Keith Mallett tell a story about the generations of families who gained hope and strength from the song's inspiring words. —A CCBC Choice —A Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People—An ALSC Notable Children's Book