Introducing Gershwin

Children's Literature - Judy Silverman

Vernon has given us a tremendous account of this young American composer's life and death. Right now seems to be the perfect time for this book-the musical "Crazy For You" is a hit in New York, the movies with Fred Astaire are constantly on TV, and various songs from "Porgy and Bess" seem to be all around us. The format of the book (8 1/2 x 11) makes it look like a picture book, but the photo on the front hints at, and the content makes clear that, this is more YA and adult-if it were thicker it would be a perfect coffee table book. There's even a timeline and a glossary. Everyone should know something about Gershwin, and this is a wonderful introduction.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6This brief biography traces the short life of George Gershwin from his immigrant birth to his death at age 38. Special focus is given to his pioneering music and the historical events that helped shape it. Each stage of Gershwin's musical growth and career is presented on a double-page spread profusely illustrated with full-color and black-and-white photos, drawings, and reproductions. Interesting historical sidebars about Prohibition, The Great Depression, and Hitler's rise to power, etc., offer greater insight into the atmosphere in which Gershwin produced his music. The only drawback to this book is that the author tends to describe the thoughts and feelings of his subject and others mentioned in the book in a manner that suggests firsthand knowledge. (No sources are cited.) For a fuller picture of the musician's life, pair this title with Barbara Mitchell's America, I Hear You: A Story about George Gershwin (Lerner, 1987), which has fewer illustrations and more information.Robin Works Davis, Hurst Public Library, TX