A Song for Harlem

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$6.99 US
Penguin Young Readers | Puffin Books
96 per carton
On sale Dec 26, 2008 | 978-0-14-241238-1
Age 8-12 years
Reading Level: Lexile 590L | Fountas & Pinnell Q
Sales rights: US, Canada, Open Mkt
A historical chapter book series from three-time Coretta Scott King Award winner and Newbery Honor author, Patricia C. McKissack.

For Lilly Belle, ?the capital of Black America? is about as far from her hometown of Smyrna, Tennessee, as a twelve-year-old can get?maybe not in miles but certainly in mindset. Then a summer program for gifted young writers opens a whole new world for Lilly Belle. Jazz music in the street lulls her to sleep, her classroom is in a mansion, and the author Zora Neale Hurston is her teacher, helping her understand the power of words, especially her own. Once again, award-winning author Patricia C. McKissack builds an involving story around real events and famous figures.

"McKissack writes with empathy for the characters as well as a good eye for details that bring the period to life." --Booklist
"The themes of finding your voice and telling the truth resonate throughout this appealing chapter book." --Booklist

"Conveys a feel for the characters and the time, and a vivid sense of place." --School Library Journal


About

A historical chapter book series from three-time Coretta Scott King Award winner and Newbery Honor author, Patricia C. McKissack.

For Lilly Belle, ?the capital of Black America? is about as far from her hometown of Smyrna, Tennessee, as a twelve-year-old can get?maybe not in miles but certainly in mindset. Then a summer program for gifted young writers opens a whole new world for Lilly Belle. Jazz music in the street lulls her to sleep, her classroom is in a mansion, and the author Zora Neale Hurston is her teacher, helping her understand the power of words, especially her own. Once again, award-winning author Patricia C. McKissack builds an involving story around real events and famous figures.

"McKissack writes with empathy for the characters as well as a good eye for details that bring the period to life." --Booklist

Praise

"The themes of finding your voice and telling the truth resonate throughout this appealing chapter book." --Booklist

"Conveys a feel for the characters and the time, and a vivid sense of place." --School Library Journal