Dizzy Gillespie

School Library Journal

Gr 7-10-- Like others in this series, these entries delve into the backgrounds of their subjects and examine the impact each has had on society. The biography of the inventor of bebop relates Gillespie's struggles to create his own musical approach; he is portrayed as an innovative and daring virtuoso who was able to introduce his style on a wide scale through his roles both as performer and as goodwill ambassador. Jakoubek captures Jackson's major achievements, touching on some of the controversies that have surrounded him. Both books evaluate their subjects fairly, although Jakoubek's is stronger, making use of views and opinions that oppose Jackson's style and agenda. Numerous black-and-white photographs enhance the texts and bring the subjects into greater focus. The further reading lists include a few titles that are somewhat advanced for this age range; otherwise, these are good additions to most collections. --Jeanette Lambert, LaVega School, Waco, TX