Sweet Music in Harlem

C.J.'s uncle is a jazz musician preparing for an important photo shoot with other Harlem musicians for a magazine. When Uncle Click can't find his lucky hat before the photographer arrives, C.J. races through the neighborhood to help locate it. During his search, C.J. visits local establishments throughout Harlem where his uncle frequently plays music. He encounters various musicians and community members who share stories about Uncle Click and his music. The book is rooted in a real 1958 photograph taken in Harlem by Art Kane, which featured 57 jazz musicians. Through its story of family bonds and community connections, Sweet Music in Harlem captures the vibrant spirit of the neighborhood's jazz scene and the ways music brings people together.

Readers appreciate the book's portrayal of 1950s Harlem jazz culture and its representation of a close-knit community. The story resonates with children and adults, particularly in how it shows family members helping each other. Teachers and parents note the book works well for classroom reading and discussions about jazz history, photography, and African American culture. Multiple reviewers mention using it successfully with students ages 6-10. The illustrations by Frank Morrison receive frequent mentions for their dynamic style and ability to capture the energy of jazz. Several readers point out how the art enhances the story's authenticity. The main criticism centers on the book's length - some find it too short to fully develop the characters. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (21 ratings) Kirkus Reviews: Starred review "The artwork alone makes this book worth owning," writes one Amazon reviewer. "Perfect for teaching kids about the Harlem Renaissance," notes a Goodreads user.

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🎷 This book was inspired by the famous 1958 photograph "A Great Day in Harlem," which captured 57 jazz musicians gathered together on a brownstone stoop in New York City. 🎵 The author, Debbie A. Taylor, worked as a children's librarian before becoming a writer, giving her unique insight into what engages young readers. 📸 The story's main character, C.J., is based on the real-life experiences of Art Kane, who took the iconic photograph while still an amateur photographer. 🏙️ The brownstone building where the original photograph was taken still stands today at 17 East 126th Street in Harlem, and has become a pilgrimage site for jazz enthusiasts. 🎺 The illustrator, Frank Morrison, is known for his dynamic portrayal of movement in his artwork and has won multiple Coretta Scott King Illustration Honor Awards for his children's book illustrations.