Parents' Guide to

Elvis: The Story of the Rock and Roll King

By Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Charming pictures, story make the King relatable to kids.

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Colorful, charming collage illustrations bring the days of Elvis Presley's childhood to life. The story doesn't answer why Elvis was such a big deal, but kids who already like Presley's music will learn why and how he was who he was. Author Bonnie Christensen makes the King relatable, showing the shy, nervous kid who came in fifth at the talent show.

Tackling such a big subject means a lot of detail gets glossed over and may ultimately raise more questions than it answers. But kids will get a good glimpse of life in the South in the '30s and '40s in ELVIS: THE STORY OF THE ROCK AND ROLL KING. Christensen uses rhythmic language to explain simply and elegantly. Check out your library or online resources to have some of Presley's music handy, especially the often-mentioned song that started it all, "That's All Right."

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