Flack, Roberta. Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music, The. Hayden Goodman, Illus. Addl. Creators Tonya Bolden; Anne Schwartz, 01/2023. [36]pp. Biography. Trade $18.99 978-0-593-47987-2. GRADES Kindergarten – 2. OUTSTANDING.
As a beautiful tribute to finding a love of music in childhood, Roberta Flack shares memories of her journey. Bolden and Flack create an elegant portrayal of Roberta’s early musical life well suited for younger audiences. With a piano rescued from a junkyard and the loving support of a musical family, young Roberta shares the smaller steps drawing her toward her standout career. Gouache paintings convey the feeling of both her journey and her music, with swirling, lyrical double-page, full-bleed spreads. Back matter shares photographs, career highlights, and a heartfelt personal statement, in which she encourages youth to overcome marginalization, to “find your own ‘green piano’ and … to put that beautiful music into the world.” Family and friends depicted and highlighted are African American. In one deceptively simple picture book, a life full of depth is translated to a clear lyrical line of music for all to hear.
Alexandre Petrakis—San Francisco Public Library