I’m a huge lover jazz and jazz adjacent genres. That’s the best way I know to put it. Swing music was my THING in middle school and when the little big band revival happened in the 90s because of that Gap commercial I was in heaven. And if you are wondering, yes, little Melissa with her saxophone was a nerd, proud of it, and wouldn’t have it any other way. These four engaging books about blues, jazz, and scat would have absolutely had my number.
Full disclosure: Some affiliate links. I get a small kickback but it won’t change your price! No pressure!
Stompin’ at the Savoy : the Story of Norma Miller
Author: Alan Govenar (Compiler)
Illustrator: Martin French
ISBN: 978-0763622442
Buy the book on Amazon
Queen of Swing, Lindy hop dancer, and choreographer. This is a book is complied by folklorist Alan Govenar who used his interviews with Norma to write create this autobiography. This one isn’t a picture book and is definitely more for older students but it may be a cool way to bring Norma to the spotlight.
YouTube Link: Norma dancing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFpU5ypLrKQ
One Shoe Blues
Author: Sandra Boynton, B.B.King
Illustrator: Sandra Boynton
ISBN: 978-0761151388
Buy the book on Amazon
Sandra Boynton, B.B. King, and puppets AND a music video. Need I say more?
YouTube Link: One Shoe Blues https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8rLuk2PoMA
Bird & Diz
Author: Gary Gallo
Illustrator: Ed Young
ISBN: 978-0763666606
Buy the book on Amazon
This fun book can be pulled out in one LONG page or read traditionally. With colorful pictures, this one just LOOKS like jazz.
Bonus: School Library Journal Teaching Guide: https://www.slj.com/story/beboppin-with-bird-diz
YouTube Link: Hot House https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejlsnuKyJEA
When Louis Armstrong Taught Me Scat
Author: Muriel Harris Weinstein
Illustrator: R Gregory Christie
ISBN: 978-0811851312
Buy the book on Amazon
In this book a young girl dreams of learning scat from Louis.
YouTube Link: Heebie Jeebies (noted as one of the first examples of scat singing) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksmGt2U-xTE
Need more ideas? Check out these posts:
- An Engaging Lesson for Black History Month (or Any time of year)
- 3 Engaging Jazz Appreciation Month Books for Kids
These aren’t the only books featuring blues, jazz, and scat! You can find more at www.theultimatemusicedbooklist.com.
Hope this gives you some ideas!
