The Green Piano
Singer's sweet story reminds us that dreams do come true.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Green Piano is a collaborative effort between Grammy-award winning singer Roberta Flack and award-winning author Tonya Bolden. It tells the story of Flack's journey from young dreamer to musical legend and the gift that most inspired her -- a junkyard piano that her father refurbished and painted green. The book is written in verse and mentions titles of songs that were instrumental in developing the singer's love of music, like "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," "A-Tisket, A-Tasket," and "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." Illustrations by debut artist Hayden Goodman portray a close-knit, working-class Black community. Themes about creativity, resilience and the importance of family take center stage. At the end of the book, readers will find an author's note that explains Flack's reason for writing the book, along with childhood photos of the singer. Readers can also learn about her career highlights in a timeline.
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What's the Story?
In THE GREEN PIANO, Roberta Flack recounts how her childhood love of music bloomed into a successful music career. Growing up in a Blue Ridge Mountain town in North Carolina in the early-mid 1900's, she was inspired to love music by her parents and often dreamed of having her own piano. Moved by the music of the time and motivated by her piano lessons, Roberta Flack regarded music as her "treasure," her "gold." One day, her father brought home a piano he found at a junkyard and refurbished it for her to play. That one gift allowed her to find her voice and put beautiful music into the world -- all while inspiring others to do the same.
Is It Any Good?
This sweet and simple story offers readers a powerful message. The Green Piano is a reminder to readers young and old to honor the dreams in their hearts and pursue them passionately. Written in simple verse with charming illustrations by Hayden Goodman, the book shows us that the little things in life -- like a piano from the junkyard -- can make the biggest impacts. It's also a good starting point for learning more about Black culture in the mid-20th century, including Roberta Flack's career and the careers of others who helped launch her.
Though it's inspiring, The Green Piano falls a little flat in engaging its target audience -- kids. The free verse may be a little more difficult for kids to grasp. And while Roberta Flack is a noteworthy musician, today's kids are likely less familiar with her music and career, so her name on the book isn't necessarily a draw for them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about gratitude in The Green Piano. How can you tell that young Roberta is grateful for her green piano? How can you tell that grown-up Roberta is grateful for her green piano?
How is Roberta's family similar to yours? How is her family different from yours? Why is family important?
Do you play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, what instrument would you want to learn? Why?
Book Details
- Authors: Roberta Flack, Tonya Bolden
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Great Girl Role Models, History, Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Gratitude
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Anne Schwartz Books
- Publication date: January 10, 2023
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: January 10, 2023
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For kids who love family stories and Black history
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