When we are searching for stories that truly mirror our children, we can find treasure in the books that not only highlight someone but also raise up their style, their language, their energy. This is one of those amazing books that capture the soul of the culture.
Muddy Waters hails from the Mississippi Delta country with its mix of sharecroppers, bigotry, the blues and the strength of family. Muddy lost his mom early in life and was raised by his grandmother, Della, who thought music was a waste of time.
Turns out Muddy is not one of those people born to do what he is told especially when it's the wrong thing for him. He walked away from an abusive sharecropper boss and took the train to Chicago where the Chicago Blues were wailing.
This is a story of determination, of being true to yourself and of being willing to take the big chance, the big risk, to find out if you really have what it takes.
Music wails and Muddy just keeps on moving forward. Beyond vibrant illustrations reflect the intensity of Muddy's journey and the passion of his music. Gorgeous, gorgeous book.
48 pages 978-1481443494 Ages 7-12
Recommended by: Barb Langridge, abookandahug.com
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A picture book celebration of the indomitable Muddy Waters, a blues musician whose fierce and electric sound laid the groundwork for what would become rock and roll.
Muddy Waters was never good at doing what he was told. When Grandma Della said the blues wouldn't put food on the table, Muddy didn't listen. And when record producers told him no one wanted to listen to a country boy playing country blues, Muddy ignored them as well. This tenacious streak carried Muddy from the hardscrabble fields of Mississippi to the smoky juke joints of Chicago and finally to a recording studio where a landmark record was made.
Soon the world fell in love with the tough spirit of Muddy Waters. In blues-infused prose and soulful illustrations, Michael Mahin and award-winning artist Evan Turk tell Muddy's fascinating and inspiring story of struggle, determination, and hope.--from the publisher
