The Voice

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-An unsuccessful presentation of the history, science, and purposes of vocal music. It is laden with misrepresented musical facts, poor-quality photographs, incorrect grammar, and stereotypes that might offend African-American readers. Statements like ``Blues music sounds sad'' and ``This girl sings high notes. The man sings lower notes'' are simplistic, possibly misleading, and not musically correct. Furthermore, the author describes vocal harmony as tunes the composer wrote ``so that they would sound good together.'' The cartoonlike illustrations present black characters with stringy hair and unrealistic physical features. In addition to the flaws discussed, this book lacks cohesiveness. Very disappointing indeed.-Linda Zoppa, Pablo Casals Intermediate School, Bronx, NY