Module 5: Trombone Shorty

Image retrieved from goodreads.com

Book Summary: This book is the autobiography of Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, told as a children's book. It details Troy's childhood in New Orleans, playing pretend music with his friends, and New Orleans is highlighted as a big part of the culture displayed in the book and what shaped Troy as a person, including all the parades and festivals that influenced his music tastes. The book tells the story of how Troy, who always loved music, became a musician and got his nickname; when he began playing an old, beat up trombone he found, the trombone was bigger than he was. His brother called him "Trombone Shorty!" and the name stuck. He practiced incessantly, and when his mom took him to the New Orleans Jazz Festival, he brought his trombone and was called up on stage to play with Bo Diddley. After that, Troy formed his own band, the 5 O'Clock Band, and as an adult, his band is Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. He tours all over the world. An author's note at the end of the book retells the biography in paragraph form and includes photos from Troy's childhood, while the main part of the book includes vivid illustrations by Bryan Collier, a Caldecott winner. 

APA Reference:

Andrews, T. (2015). Trombone Shorty. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Impressions: I thought this book told the story of a musician's life in an original and engaging way that appeals to young readers and adults alike. The illustrations are striking, colorful, and enhance the telling of the story, really bringing the reader into Troy's world. I liked the incorporation of New Orleans culture; the repetition of "Where y'at?" kept the familial sense of community going throughout the story. I think this book is a great choice for minority, particularly predominantly African American schools (although other races would still obviously enjoy it) because it shows a young man (who is still only 30 years old) from a tough neighborhood who practiced really hard at something he loved and became really successful. So often when you ask kids about important black figures they know about Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., or Barack Obama, but they don't always know about people living right now who were just like them who they can look up to. I think Troy Andrews is a particularly good choice because in addition to his accomplishments and philanthropic work, he looks young and cool, and his path in life seems realistically attainable for the average kid who wants to work hard. 

Professional Review (from Booklist):

"Grades 3-5. In this contemporary autobiography, Andrews pays tribute to the New Orleans neighborhood of Treme and the culture and community that propelled him into becoming the Grammy Award-nominated musician he is today. Like other stories of artistic achievement, this is one of determination and passion. Young Troy, nicknamed Trombone Shorty, by his brother, forms a band with his friends using homemade instruments, until one day Troy finds a real trombone to call his own. But this story breaks from the motif of individualism to recognize that family, community, mentors, and friends are always part of life's journey. It reminds young readers--particularly boys of color--that they can follow their dreams and lean on people who will nurture and guide them. Andrews' journey is perfectly complemented by Collier's illustrations. Sharp panels of color and image, perspective that dips and soars, and layers of mixed-media collage unite to feel like renditions of brass band music itself. The author's note fills in the gaps in the story and reaffirms the importance of people and place. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit the Trombone Shorty Foundation."

Chaudhri, A. (2015). Trombone Shorty [Review of the book Trombone Shorty, by T. Andrews]. Booklist, 111(14), 62. 

Library Uses: This book could be a great addition to a Black History Month series in which students learn about contemporary black figures. I would set parameters of the series so that included figures would have to be living and working right now, and I would do my best to choose some lesser known people. Students could learn about one or two people each week when they come to the library during Black History Month, and after reading the book and learning about the person, they could create something inspired by that person, such as a piece of art or a poem. There could be an extension activity in which students choose which person inspired them the most, why, and stated what they want to be or do when they get older, and how this person, such as Troy Andrews, showed them ways they can achieve their dreams.