BEFORE JOHN WAS A JAZZ GIANT

written by Carole Boston Weatherford
illustrated by Sean Qualls ​
Order at:​ ​Amazon  |  Local Book Store​

​Young John Coltrane was all ears. And there was a lot to hear growing up in the South in the 1930s: preachers praying, music on the radio, the bustling of the household. These vivid noises shaped John's own sound as a musician. Carole Boston Weatherford and Sean Qualls have composed an amazingly rich hymn to the childhood of jazz legend John Coltrane.

AWARDS


  • Coretta Scott King Honor, Illustrator,
  • American Library Association Notable Children's Books
  • Golden Kite Honor Book for Picture Book Text
  • CCBC Choice (Univ. of WI) 
  • GA Picture Storybook Award ML
  • Michigan Great Lakes Great Books Award Master List
  • Golden Kite Honor Book, NCSS-CBC Notable Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies
  • CPL: Chicago Public Library Best of the Best
  • NCSS-CBC: Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
  • NCSS-CBC NotableTrade-Soc.Stdy
  • ALA Notable Children's Books
  • Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year

​“Weatherford's evocative poem traces Coltrane's influences simply and stunningly. Qualls's muted palette of rich hues suggests the smoky jazz moods he would create.”
―School Library Journal

“Even children who are unfamiliar with jazz in general and John Coltrane in particular may find their interest piqued.” ―Horn Book

“Will echo with contemporary children, who will recognize the music in their daily lives.”
―Booklist
​
“This is as much a subtle invitation for children to listen to their own worlds as it is a Coltrane biography.”
​―Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books