King of Ragtime: The Story of Scott Joplin

King of Ragtime: The Story of Scott Joplin

Stephen Costanza, Stephen Costanza (Illustrator)
$18.89
Publication Date: September 14th, 2021
Publisher:
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
ISBN:
9781534410367
Pages:
56
Usually Ships in 1 to 5 Days

The biography of Scott Joplin is interesting and well told. I can hear the ragtime rhythm in the text, but the art? The art is beautiful! Just fantastic.

Heather Weirich-Roy, Gibson's Bookstore, Concord, NH
July/August 2021 Kids Indie Next List

Description

A stunning, rhythmic picture book biography of African American composer Scott Joplin, whose ragtime music paved the way for jazz.

There was something special about Scott Joplin…
This quiet kid could make a piano laugh out loud.

Scott, the son of a man who had been enslaved,
became a king—the King of Ragtime.

This celebration of Scott Joplin, whose ragtime compositions paved the way for jazz, will captivate audiences and put a beat in their step, and the kaleidoscope-like illustrations will draw young readers in again and again.

About the Author

Stephen Costanza has illustrated and written several books for children, including three about music, Mozart Finds a Melody, Vivaldi and the Invisible Orchestra, and King of Ragtime. He studied music and composition, and for a time played piano professionally, performing both ragtime and classical music. He lives on a small island in Maine. Visit him at StephenCostanza.com.

Stephen Costanza has illustrated and written several books for children, including three about music, Mozart Finds a Melody, Vivaldi and the Invisible Orchestra, and King of Ragtime. He studied music and composition, and for a time played piano professionally, performing both ragtime and classical music. He lives on a small island in Maine. Visit him at StephenCostanza.com.

Praise for King of Ragtime: The Story of Scott Joplin

* "Costanza delivers a biography as bouncy and colorful as ragtime itself. . . full of animation and joy, motifs that repeat throughout each gorgeous spread. . . Outstanding." 
— Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

* "The melodic, flowing text goes beyond Joplin's personal details to paint a picture of what life looked like for African Americans during the Jim Crow era . . . Examples are effortlessly woven into the narrative. . . [Events] come alive through gloriously vibrant, full-page gouache collages that pop off of pages, filled with creative and expressive details . . . this attractive offering makes a great read-aloud.

 
— Booklist, Starred Review

* "In this pitch-perfect picture book biography . . . Costanza establishes an atmospheric, folkloric tone in narration rich with onomatopoeia and figurative language . . . fine-lined human figures are delightfully fluid and surrealistic, with Costanza showcasing a deep understanding of color theory. . . A richly detailed profile fit for a king." 

 
— Publishers Weekly, Starred Review