Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa

 


Bibliography
Pinkney, Andrea Davis, 2002. ELLA FITZGERALD: THE TALE OF A VOCAL VIRTUOSA. Ill. by Brian Pinkney. New York, NY: Disney Jump at the Sun. ISBN 0786814160.

Plot Summary
A unique and inspiring biography of the most famous female Jazz singer of all time, Ella Fitzgerald. In order to follow the chronological order of Ella's life, readers will follow her inspirational story told from the character Scat Cat Monroe. How Ella began life as a small town Yonkers girl worked hard until her big break at the Harlem Opera House as a featured singer. Ella Fitzgerald will inspire readers to stay determined and never give up on their dreams.

Critical Analysis 
Andrea Pinkney writes a smooth, telling biography of the great Ella Fitzgerald. Beginning with an introduction of Scat Cat Monroe, the cool cat narrator of this unique tribute to Fitzgerald. Beginning with Ella's start in life in 1917, she had a dream of becoming a famous dancer. She was so determined to make her dream come true that she taught herself how to tap dance. While dreaming big is realistic for everyone in the world, at the time of the Harlem Renaissance, failing was not an option for African Americans. People of color had to prove their place in the world at the time, even though they had just as much talent as anybody else in the world. In 1934, Ella participated in a talent contest at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. She was so nervous to dance, but not ready to admit defeat, she began to sing and captured the audiences souls. From there, Ella's career and talent began to skyrocket, as her singing was as powerful as a musical instrument. Becoming so successful in her career, Ella is known as The Queen of Scat, The First Lady of Song, and A Vocal Virtuosa. Pinkney does a wonderful retelling of the amazing life of Ella Fitzgerald. Her writing is upbeat and jazzy, capturing the pure rhythm of this singer's successful career and life. 

Brian Pinkney's unique illustrations give readers a taste of Harlem Renaissance art. The illustrations are calm, yet the passion can be felt throughout the biography. The colors used are bright, subtle, and dreamy. Some illustrations are dream-like as they follow Ella gliding through the musical skies to each packed performance, crowds who couldn't wait to witness Ella's powerful voice and rhythm. The pencil sketching of the important figures capture their love for music, the recognition of true talent in the 1940's, and pure joy of creating a jazzy atmosphere. It's noted that not once in any of the illustrations including Ella, did her facial expression show anger or defeat. She remained strong, determined, and passionate for her love of singing and this encourages readers of all ages to follow in her footsteps. 

Review Excerpt(s)
Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "The prose is jazzy and rhythmic in the voice of a hipster, and it's expertly illustrated with images inspired by the works of Harlem Renaissance artists ... Cool."
Starred review in PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY: "A 'skippity-hop-doo-dee-bop' picture book." 
Starred review in BOOKLIST: "Cue up the music and read this one out LOUD."

Connections
- Fans of all ages of Ella Fitzgerald will appreciate this unique, illustrated story on the life of this remarkable singer.
- Young readers attention will be captured by these cool, dream-like illustrations and yearn to learn more about the famous Ella Fitzgerald.
- Similar book recommendations:
Pinkney, Andrea, 2007. DUKE ELLINGTON: THE PIANO PRINCE AND HIS ORCHESTRA. ISBN 9780786814206.
Pinkney, Andrea, 2009. SOJOURNER'S TRUTH'S STEP-STOMP STRIDE. ISBN 9780786807673.

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