Little Melba and Her Big Trambone by Katherine Russell-Brown

 

Title: Little Melba and Her Big Trambone

Author: Katheryn Russell-Brown

Illustrator: Frank Morrison

Genre: Biography, Non-Fiction

Major Awards: Coretta Scott King

Ages: 4-8 Years old

Summary:

This inspiring story is about the life of little Melba. Little Melba was born in 1926 in the town of Kansas City. Kansas City is known for its jazz clubs, street bands, and folks harmonizing on every corner. It was in little Melba's town,where she fell in love with the sound of music. Her favorite styles of music were Blues, Jazz and Gospel rhythms. Music was always on her mind. She even dreamed of beats and lyrics before she fell asleep. When Melba was seven years, she decided to join music class at her school. She wondered, what instrument she should play. At the music store, she found a beautiful and big trombone. Little Melba fell in love with it, and her mother bought it for her. Melba's grandfather tried teaching her. Then, she taught herself how to play. Little Melba was only eight years old, when she got invited to play at the local radio station. In 1937, Melba and her family fell on rock bottom, so they decided to move to Los Angeles. Melba was so smart and her test scores were so high that the school decided to move Melba from sixth grade to grade eight. In High School. Melba joined a music club, and she became so good at playing the Trambone that her peers could not keep up with her because how good she had become. Melba's peers became jealous of her and began calling her names. Melba decided to let her feelings out by playing the Trambone, instead. When, she was seventeen years old, she began writing music too. In 1943, she got invited to tour around the country with a new band led by the trumpet player, Gerald Wilson. Her one bold note, would mesmerize the crowd.  Melba felt lonely because she was the only women playing in the band. Some of the band members would treat her cruel. Even, the places she went would treat her cruel too. She almost felt discouraged in leaving the band. By the 1950's, many celebrities became inspired by Melba's unique and bold note. It was then, when Melba kept on composing more music and her music reached around the world.

Book Evaluation:  

1) I would recommend this book to my class because it based on a true story and it is a very inspiring story to listen to. This book could bring different kinds of positive messages to the children. It can bring positive topics, such as faith, motivations, and discovering passion.

2) I would recommend this book to the grade level Pre-Kinder to Third grade level.

3) I would use this book in the unit of Music. I would have the students chose a favorite music piece of her and play it in front of the class and for those who do not want to play music, I would have them show a hidden talent for that day.