The Jazz Kid

by James Lincoln Collier

Paulie Horvath is never going to be a good student like his brother, John, never going to follow his hardworking father into the plumbing trade, never going to ease his mother's mind by passing tests or cleaning up his room. But once he hears jazz by accident from the basement of a speakeasy, he knows exactly what he will do: learn that music and make it his life. Jazz is all around in 1920s gangland Chicago, but not so easy for a twelve-year-old to find, especially when his father disapproves of it. Paulie has to lie, beg, and steal just to get time for lessons, time to practice, time to slip across town to see stars like King Oliver and Louis Armstrong. Lies last only so long until they are found out, and a confrontation is coming. Will he choose home and family or sleazy dives with that wonderful music?

Genres: Historical Fiction

165 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

James Lincoln Collier (born June 27, 1928) is a journalist, author, and professional musician.

Collier's notable literary works include My Brother Sam Is Dead (1974), a Newbery Honor book that was also named a Notable Children's Book by the American Library Association and nominated for a National Book Award in 1975. He also wrote a children's book titled The Empty Mirror (2004), The Teddy Bear Habit (1967), about an insecure boy whose beatnik guitar teacher turns out to be a crook, and Rich and Famous (1975), sequel to The Teddy Bear Habit. His list of children's books also includes Chipper (2001), about a young boy in a gang. His writings for adults include numerous books on jazz, including biographies of Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington. He has also contributed entries on jazz-related subjects to the Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians.

In addition to his writing, Collier is an accomplished jazz musician who plays the trombone professionally.

Reviews

[Megan Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book I picked up at my library's book sale. The conflict between the narrator and his father reminds me of The Jazz Singer (which is possibly intentional). The book has a great rhythm, the voices of the characters are genuine, and it is definitely highly recommended. It does contain the language of the era (n-word included), so careful if you're offended easily...that's the only thing that might be a concern for classroom libraries.

5/5 on here, 10/10 for myself

[Gary Mattscheck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be an excellent read,and gave a vivid picture of Chicago's jazz world of the 1920's.Paulie,the 13 year old boy who wanted to be a jazz musician learned a valuable lesson about obeying his parents.Frank,Paulie's father also learned not to get mixed up with gangsters like Herb.The lure of "easy money",had,in a way,corrupted him.Those were the positives in the story.There was the uses of ethnic nicknames,which was the common thing at the time the story took place.The downside were 4 uses of Jesus' name in profanity,and one instance of GD by Frank.Still,it's an excellent book! Gary Mattscheck

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The writing was well done. The story had some great character building, and it was fun to read about some jazz history. Not my favorite storyline or subtopics, also didn’t love some of the language, but interesting nevertheless.

[Kentzhang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book i read it for an essay.

[Jill Philipbar]

maybe

[Robert Kradoska · Rating 4 out of 5]

early Jazz

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun book! I loved every minute of it. A great story with jazz history woven into it. I felt I was there in the story with the characters. Great read!