By Janelle Mathis, North Texas University

In a recent study that examined picturebook biographies of musicians, I was interested in what they offered young readers about the value of music in the lives of these individuals. Shared in a recently submitted article, I discovered over 40 biographies that spanned across historical eras, forms of music, ages of musicians and how music impacted individuals which often was the focus of the picturebook. Books were read and reread revealing themes of offering hope and comfort, creating identity, sharing tradition, giving voice to marginalized people and sharing examples of determination, persistence and strength. Below, are a dozen titles that reflect the challenges and successes of musicians in narratives that provide young readers with new insights to the significance of music in these lives and the potential influences in their own lives.

 

WOW Dozen features a list of 12 global books for children and adolescents around a theme, topic, issue or personal favorites. Each Dozen consists of ten newly-published titles with two older “must have” books. Please share or recommend additional books that fit the theme in the comments section or on social media using #WOWDozen. Use the printer icon in the upper left corner of this post to print or save this list as a PDF.​

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• Themes: Abigail Halpin, Brett Helquist, Building an Orchestra of Hope, Carmen Oliver, Carole Boston Weatherford, Charlotte Riley-Webb, Dancing Hands, Dark Was the Night, Devon Holzwarth, E.B. Lewis, Evan Turk, Frank Morrison, Gary Golio, Gina Capaldi, Guitar Genius, Itzhak, Janelle Mathis, Jose Ramirez, Kim Tomsic, Lisa Uribe, Listen, Margarita Engle, Michael Mahin, Muddy, Q.L. Pearce, Rafael Lopez, Red Bird Sings, Respect, Shannon Stoker, Strange Fruit, Tracy Newman, When Angels Sing
• Descriptors: WOW Dozen