$16.95 (Hardcover)
Also available in:
Rent Party Jazz 
By William Miller
Illustrated by Charlotte Riley-Webb
9781584300250
In New Orleans in the 1930s, young Sonny Comeaux has to work before school to help his mother make ends meet. When Mama loses her job, Sonny is worried. Rent day is coming soon, and if they miss paying by just one day, the landlord will put them out on the street and sell off their belongings.
Sonny wanders sadly through Jackson Square after school one day. His attention is caught by Smilin' Jack, a popular jazz musician. Sonny returns day after day, and soon finds himself explaining his problem to Smilin’ Jack. What Smilin' Jack offers Sonny then—how to raise money for the rent while having the world’s best party—changes both their lives forever.
Award-winning author William Miller tells his most affecting story yet, accompanied by Charlotte Riley-Webb's brilliantly-colored paintings that perfectly capture the lively rhythms of New Orleans jazz. This is a powerful story of family, friendship, and people coming together to help others in a time of need.
Teacher's Guide
- Awards
-
Children's Books of the Year
Bank Street College
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
National Council for the Social Studies
- Interest Level
- Grades 1 - 4
- Reading Level
- Grades 2 - 3
- Themes
- African/African American Interest, Family Traditions, Friendship, Historical Interest, Mothers, Music, Neighbors, Overcoming Obstacles, Sharing & Giving
- Accelerated Reader
- Level: 4.3
Points: .5
William Miller is the award-winning author of numerous books for children for LEE & LOW (see full list to the right). Mr. Miller lives in York, Pennsylvania, where he teaches African American literature and creative writing at York College.
Charlotte Riley-Webb is a fine artist whose paintings have appeared in more than 25 major exhibitions worldwide. Much of her work focuses on visually documenting her African American heritage, and the significance of music to that heritage can be seen in the rhythm, movement, and colors of her paintings. Riley-Webb and her husband live in Locust Grove, Georgia. To find out more about Charlotte Riley-Webb, visit her Web site: www.charlotterileywebb.com
