Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Katheryn Russell-Brown

Book cover Little Melba and Her Big Trombone

IN A NUTSHELL: A biography of African American musician Melba Doretta Liston.

SUMMARY: Melba Liston starting playing the trombone as a very young girl. Yes, little Melba played a big trombone. Through her talent and hard work, Melba became a professional musician with some of the greatest Jazz musicians of her day. But her journey was not easy. Jazz was a man's world and sometimes being the only woman in the band was difficult and lonely. Melba also faced the bitterness of racism, especially when playing the South where African-Americans often could not stay in hotels or eat at restaurants. Melba almost quit but love her music kept her going and eventually Little Melba with her big trombone was recognized as one of the supreme musicians of her time. Little Melba and Her Big Trombone is on the Yellow Shelf. Narrated by Kim Sykes. The original music and sound effects created by Robby Merkin.

KEYWORDS: music,family,perseverance,history

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AUTHOR: Katheryn Russell-Brown
ILLUSTRATOR: Frank Morrison
NARRATOR: Kim Sykes
LENGTH: 13:07

READING LEVELS

Fountas & Pinnell: Q
Accelerated Reader: 4.7
Lexile: AD780L
DRA: 40

PUBLISHER: Lee & Low Books