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Elvis: The Story of the Rock and Roll King
An only child, a mama's boy―Elvis was a shy kid who struggled to make friends and found comfort singing in church and learning guitar. While in high school, he continued his music but was often ridiculed by students. On a whim, he recorded a song for his mom's birthday at Sun Record Studios as part of a customer promotion. The studio loved it so much that they sent it to local record stations . . . and the rest is history. Here is the story of how a poor kid from Tupelo, Mississippi, became an American legend. A Christy Ottaviano Book
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 21, 2015
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 11, 2018
I'm a huge Elvis fan and was super excited to read this book to my preschool age daughters. I was quite disappointed after reading it, though, because the way it was written was poetic and confusing for my children. I also wasn't a fan of the illustrations. They were kind of dark and didn't seem representative of Elvis at all.
(Biography category)
(Biography category)
May 6, 2018
Engaging, lyrical prose...fit for a King.
July 29, 2016
My big takeaway from this picture book was that Elvis was blonde as a child. Who knew? The illustrations were okay; although I'm usually a fan of collage, these seemed muted and out of sync with their intended audience. The text wasn't very engaging and glossed over a lot of points that could have been explored in more depth. This is a very brief look at Elvis's life up until his first big break. I'd only recommend this to kids already familiar with the King.
January 20, 2016
Reviewed for the Mock Caldecott Awards. I'm not a huge Elvis fan but I thought this was an interesting, well written book. The illustrations were wonderful.
December 3, 2018
I enjoyed this book because I am a huge fan of the kings. I have even visited his old house in Tennessee and went on the tour through his car collection and everything. It was very neat and I got to experience Elvis a little closer just like through this book. I think it was interesting how in his early life he was very shy and didn’t like the spotlight. This book is a biography and is in the 2nd-4th grade range
February 5, 2022
This picture-book biography of Elvis does an admirable job of summarizing his early life in a few pages, thanks to a chronology that begins with his birth and ends on that fateful day (July 5, 1954) at Sun Records, which launched the singer’s stellar career. Photo-collage illustrations keep the story simple, too, adding colorful ambiance to this rags-to-riches tale about a shy, nervous, and supremely talented boy who would grow up to be The King.
March 30, 2018
I am absolutely a HUGE Elvis fan, but this book somewhat disappointed me. To be a biography, there was not much information in it. It only had a few photographs, it was mostly illustrations (and they were not wonderful). I was just expecting something a bit better. Overall, an ok read if you are just wanting an slight overview of his life.
November 10, 2018
This is a great introduction to Elvis Presley for young readers.
May 24, 2025
amazing!!
June 24, 2015
Richie’s Picks: ELVIS: THE STORY OF THE ROCK AND ROLL KING by Bonnie Christensen, Henry Holt, April 2015, 32p., ISBN: 978-0-8050-9447-3
“You know I can be found
Sitting home all alone
If you can’t come around
At least please telephone
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true
I don’t want no other love
Baby it’s just you I’m thinking of”
--Elvis Presley and Otis Blackwell (1956)
Top Earning Dead Celebrities
1. Michael Jackson
2. Elvis Presley
3. Charles Schultz
4. Elizabeth Taylor
5. Bob Marley
--Forbes.com (15 October 2014)
“Elvis, all worry and nerves, grabbed a guitar, jumped around singing ‘That’s All Right.’
“Sam started recording.
“‘That’s All Right’ was a Delta blues song, and Elvis was singing it a whole new way--ragged, raw Delta blues, with bits of country and moments of gospel.
“Black and white music all mixed up together. A whole new sound!”
Elvis Presley hit it big slightly before my time. I was a toddler when Elvis sang “Don’t Be Cruel” on Ed Sullivan. (They deliberately filmed him only from the waist up that night.) I grew up in The Beatles era, familiar with the older, bloated Elvis, his campy movies, and his bizarre meeting with Tricky Dick.
But Elvis Presley was a monumental twentieth-century American figure. On his way to becoming the biggest solo act of all time, he bridged black and white music by blending “race music” and “hillbilly music,” helping create a new form: rock ‘n’ roll!
In ELVIS: THE STORY OF THE ROCK AND ROLL KING, author/illustrator Bonnie Christensen tells of the young, poor southern boy who grew up to be The King. In a segregated but music-rich South, Elvis loved to listen to and sing all the genres of music to which he was exposed. He received his first guitar at eleven and pursued his dream for the next decade, becoming a star and a legend. He was scorned at times for his unique style, but accompanying the Author’s Note, a powerful quote by Leonard Bernstein asserts that Elvis introduced the beat to everything. To understand where today’s music came from, you need to know about Elvis.
Note that, as accurately portrayed by Bonnie Christensen, Elvis was sandy blond until he became big and dyed his hair jet black.
This great picture book biography caused me to spend quality hours watching Youtube videos of Elvis singing and shaking it. Now it’s your turn: Fire up some Elvis tunes and give this book a read.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
https://www.facebook.com/richie.parti...
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_...
“You know I can be found
Sitting home all alone
If you can’t come around
At least please telephone
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true
I don’t want no other love
Baby it’s just you I’m thinking of”
--Elvis Presley and Otis Blackwell (1956)
Top Earning Dead Celebrities
1. Michael Jackson
2. Elvis Presley
3. Charles Schultz
4. Elizabeth Taylor
5. Bob Marley
--Forbes.com (15 October 2014)
“Elvis, all worry and nerves, grabbed a guitar, jumped around singing ‘That’s All Right.’
“Sam started recording.
“‘That’s All Right’ was a Delta blues song, and Elvis was singing it a whole new way--ragged, raw Delta blues, with bits of country and moments of gospel.
“Black and white music all mixed up together. A whole new sound!”
Elvis Presley hit it big slightly before my time. I was a toddler when Elvis sang “Don’t Be Cruel” on Ed Sullivan. (They deliberately filmed him only from the waist up that night.) I grew up in The Beatles era, familiar with the older, bloated Elvis, his campy movies, and his bizarre meeting with Tricky Dick.
But Elvis Presley was a monumental twentieth-century American figure. On his way to becoming the biggest solo act of all time, he bridged black and white music by blending “race music” and “hillbilly music,” helping create a new form: rock ‘n’ roll!
In ELVIS: THE STORY OF THE ROCK AND ROLL KING, author/illustrator Bonnie Christensen tells of the young, poor southern boy who grew up to be The King. In a segregated but music-rich South, Elvis loved to listen to and sing all the genres of music to which he was exposed. He received his first guitar at eleven and pursued his dream for the next decade, becoming a star and a legend. He was scorned at times for his unique style, but accompanying the Author’s Note, a powerful quote by Leonard Bernstein asserts that Elvis introduced the beat to everything. To understand where today’s music came from, you need to know about Elvis.
Note that, as accurately portrayed by Bonnie Christensen, Elvis was sandy blond until he became big and dyed his hair jet black.
This great picture book biography caused me to spend quality hours watching Youtube videos of Elvis singing and shaking it. Now it’s your turn: Fire up some Elvis tunes and give this book a read.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
https://www.facebook.com/richie.parti...
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_...
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June 18, 2016Digital Book Title – Elvis The Story of the Rock and Roll King by Bonnie Christensen
Application used to create promotion – iMovie on iPhone
Book Promotion Reflection:
1. Why did you choose this book for this project?
a. It was a book I had seen while researching other projects. It didn’t fit the theme I was needing at the time, but was perfect for this project and for the classroom.
2. Why did you choose the application(s) that you used to create your project?
a. I have used iMovie previous on various projects and feel comfortable using the application.
3. How would you describe the ease with which you were able to utilize the application(s)?
a. The application is easier to use on the iPhone verses the desktop. With simplicity comes limitations. Using the preformatted trailer template allows limited editing.
4. What was your reason for choosing specific music, images, and text in your project?
a. How does each of these factors represent the book?
i. I chose to use pictures that I have taken myself. I didn’t want to worry about copyright infringement. Elvis Presley was a high profile figure and it is really hard to know what is public domain. The text was based upon my personal highlights taken from the book. Using the template I did came default with an action style soundtrack, which to the younger audience is very stimulating.
5. How will you use digital book promotion projects in your current/future environment?
a. Using digital book promo is something I hadn’t thought about before. It is a great way to grab the students interest. It would be a great to incorporate in an anticipatory set.
6. What would you do differently in the future?
a. I only wish I had more time available for production. The quality of the images is ok, but some might question the relevancy of them. For a short trailer, I was going for a shock and excitement value. Sometimes an abstract picture can lead to a memory of the conversation as to why it was included.
July 7, 2015
This picture book biography offers a glimpse into the journey of Elvis Presley from poverty to becoming a rock and roll legend. The book begins in segregated Mississippi with the birth of Elvis in 1935. Elvis’ father went to jail and even after he returned to the family, they lived a hard life of poverty. But through it all flowed music from their Sundays in church to listening to the radio at home. Elvis was shy and quiet, but he could sing and at age 10 he entered his first contest and then at 11 got his first guitar. His family moved to Memphis when he was 13 and Elvis found a new kind of music. He graduated from high school and eventually worked up the courage to enter a recording studio and offer his singing services. After a disastrous first session, Elvis was filled with nerves and picked up a guitar, singing That’s All Right. It got onto the radio and suddenly everyone wanted to hear more!
Christensen makes sure that readers understand that Elvis came from a difficult background, one where there was no money and no opportunities. His shyness was another thing that Elvis had to overcome, turning his shaking on stage into his signature moves. Christensen also keeps it clear that this was a different time, a time when these sorts of music did not mix together and that Elvis was uniquely situated to be the one who created the new sound. In all, this is a testament to the power of dreams and talent.
Christensen’s illustrations gleam with hope and the future even as Elvis is being moved to yet another house and another school. She makes sure that the light shines on the little boy and that readers see that there are possibilities to come.
A strong introduction to Elvis, make sure to play some of his music when reading it to children so that they can feel that beat too. Appropriate for ages 6-9.
Christensen makes sure that readers understand that Elvis came from a difficult background, one where there was no money and no opportunities. His shyness was another thing that Elvis had to overcome, turning his shaking on stage into his signature moves. Christensen also keeps it clear that this was a different time, a time when these sorts of music did not mix together and that Elvis was uniquely situated to be the one who created the new sound. In all, this is a testament to the power of dreams and talent.
Christensen’s illustrations gleam with hope and the future even as Elvis is being moved to yet another house and another school. She makes sure that the light shines on the little boy and that readers see that there are possibilities to come.
A strong introduction to Elvis, make sure to play some of his music when reading it to children so that they can feel that beat too. Appropriate for ages 6-9.
July 23, 2015
This picture book biography of the man who would later be called the King of Rock and Roll covers the formative years of Elvis Presley. The various influence on his musical style can be evidenced in the scenes of him singing in church and school in Tupelo, Mississippi and later in Memphis, Tennessee. Readers will find it interesting to read about how the youngster was bullied because of his poverty, his musical tastes, and his upbringing. When he finally got the chance to cut a record, he was on his way to a career that would change popular music forever. Interested readers will appreciate the timeline, Author's Note, and sources listed, including the definitive Elvis Presley biography for older readers by Peter Guralnick. I like that the book ends as Elvis is just on the verge of stardom rather than following him into his later years. The illustrations, created with photo collage, scanned, printed and painted with oils effectively captures Elvis's raw energy and nerves as well as the grinding poverty that his family experienced. Once again, it's hard to ignore the fact that an early loss, life challenges, and a supportive person in someone's life can make all the difference. That, and a lucky break or two! Add this to a classroom text set on musicians as well as one that shows how someone can overcome adversity. Although the book softens parts of Elvis's life, it does acknowledge his father being put in jail and the deep bond between mother and son. I'd love to have had samples of his music included as well as some explanation of what drew him to music and what kept him going during those rough times.
June 9, 2016
Remember Little Melba and Her Big Trombone? What were some of the problems she faced growing up? Well, the book we are reading today is about a man who lived around the same time as Melba. His name was Elvis. Have you heard that name before? He was called “The King of Rock and Roll”. As I read, Elvis: The Story of the Rock and Roll King by Bonnie Christensen think about the trouble’s Elvis faces while growing up. (Read pages 1-6) When I was a little girl, I was shy just like Elvis. I never wanted to leave my moms side. I had trouble making friends. Has anyone ever felt like that too? Who would like to share? (Finish reading) How did Elvis’ music help his family? How did his shyness help his image as a performer?
Opening Moves:
Ask children to make connections to a previously read book.
Share a personal connection you have with the text.
Invite personal connections.
Rationale:
This book fits my text set theme, “How musicians make their mark” because it is about a boy who is shy and poor yet uses his music to get out of poverty. He never gives up on his dream of being a rock and roll singer and performer. Elvis used his shyness to his advantage and it made him stand out from other performers. He persevered through hard times. This book is for K-3, but can be used in music appreciation classes for older students.
Pinnell, G. S., & Fountas, I. C. (2006). Engaging readers in thinking and talking about texts through interactive read aloud. Teaching for comprehending and fluency: Thinking, talking, and writing about reading, k-8. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann Publishing.
Opening Moves:
Ask children to make connections to a previously read book.
Share a personal connection you have with the text.
Invite personal connections.
Rationale:
This book fits my text set theme, “How musicians make their mark” because it is about a boy who is shy and poor yet uses his music to get out of poverty. He never gives up on his dream of being a rock and roll singer and performer. Elvis used his shyness to his advantage and it made him stand out from other performers. He persevered through hard times. This book is for K-3, but can be used in music appreciation classes for older students.
Pinnell, G. S., & Fountas, I. C. (2006). Engaging readers in thinking and talking about texts through interactive read aloud. Teaching for comprehending and fluency: Thinking, talking, and writing about reading, k-8. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann Publishing.
July 9, 2015
My dad was a huge Elvis fan, so I enjoyed reading this biography of his childhood up to his first big break with the song, "That's All Right." The story captures hints of sadness right away when Elvis was born one of twin baby boys, but only he survived. Born into poverty and hardship, he was very close to his mother and remained an only child. They lost their house when his father went to jail. Music saved him, but (the book never says this except briefly in the timeline) ultimately it was not enough to rescue him from his emotional problems. I do appreciate that books like this introduce kids to music legends, even when the life story of that music legend ends in tragedy. Elvis's music was groundbreaking and revolutionary, and this book covers its great beginnings. I enjoyed the illustrations, too. The rich, earthy colors and emotional essence captures the tone of the biography.
May 10, 2015
A picture book bio about the King of Rock and Roll that focuses heavily on his childhood and takes readers up to his first major performance.
The title here seemed to promise a look at Elvis' entire life, but instead it ends with his first taste of the fame he would later achieve.
The back matter was inadequate considering the book doesn't cover Elvis' entire life; there's not even one mention of Graceland, which is arguably the #1 place readers of all ages should plan to visit to learn more about Elvis' life.
The collage artwork doesn't really resemble Elvis and I don't feel the choice of medium suited the subject in a complementary way.
Overall, I was really excited to read this book, but I was let down by its scope and supplemental material.
The title here seemed to promise a look at Elvis' entire life, but instead it ends with his first taste of the fame he would later achieve.
The back matter was inadequate considering the book doesn't cover Elvis' entire life; there's not even one mention of Graceland, which is arguably the #1 place readers of all ages should plan to visit to learn more about Elvis' life.
The collage artwork doesn't really resemble Elvis and I don't feel the choice of medium suited the subject in a complementary way.
Overall, I was really excited to read this book, but I was let down by its scope and supplemental material.
February 6, 2016
Nonfiction/ Twin Text Entry #5
This nonfiction biography by Bonnie Christensen combines facts and detailed illustrations to tell the story of young Elvis Presley and his rocky road to become the Rock and Roll King. This book would be good for any elementary student, but the story and choice of words is geared toward the early elementary grades.
The twin text for this book is titled Blackbird Fly by Erin Entrada Kelly. Kelly tells the realistic story of Apple, a middle school girl who is bullied in school. Apple turns to music to find her identity.
Both of these books share the common theme of individuals expressing themselves through music. Elementary students will enjoy reading about how Elvis became famous and how Apple follows her heart and learns how to play the guitar.
This nonfiction biography by Bonnie Christensen combines facts and detailed illustrations to tell the story of young Elvis Presley and his rocky road to become the Rock and Roll King. This book would be good for any elementary student, but the story and choice of words is geared toward the early elementary grades.
The twin text for this book is titled Blackbird Fly by Erin Entrada Kelly. Kelly tells the realistic story of Apple, a middle school girl who is bullied in school. Apple turns to music to find her identity.
Both of these books share the common theme of individuals expressing themselves through music. Elementary students will enjoy reading about how Elvis became famous and how Apple follows her heart and learns how to play the guitar.
January 7, 2016
This lyrical picture book biography focuses on Elvis' childhood, and the music he heard in church. Ends with his first record being made and the beginning of his rise to stardom. Aimed at younger readers (No mention of later drug use. Timeline in the appendix says only that in 1973-77 he continued touring and recording "despite medical and emotional problems."). Nice art: sketchy line drawings and oil paintings that are fluid just like his music.
January 25, 2016
A good beginning biography, though it feels a little slow in parts. I was puzzled as to why he is illustrated throughout as blonde--and then did a little Googling and found out that Elvis was, in fact, fair-haired as a child and young adult. Apparently he liked the way he looked on camera with jet black hair so he dyed it. Huh! Who knew?
July 29, 2015
I actually learned some things about Elvis, although I wish it had been more detailed. Like the 1946 page - "Saturdays he waited in line for his chance on the radio." How did that work? Did he get to be on the radio or not? Tell me!
The illustration style was cool.
The illustration style was cool.
August 4, 2015
This is a wonderful beginning biography of Elvis. Suitable for younger students this is a great introduction to the person they may have heard of from parents and grandparents . A simple timeline of Elvis' life is included.
January 2, 2016
My daughter, who just turned two December 28, 2015, loves Lilo and Stitch, especially when they play the music. So I decided to introduce her to the one Lilo loves and idolize, Elvis Presley. Very cute book about this legend. She seemed to enjoy it very much too.
January 13, 2016
A good look at the childhood of this famous man, showing the early influences on his life and music. I never knew he was blond as a child as was shown here in the photo collage illustrations. Fans will like this, but I can't think of any students to whom I would recommend this.
June 13, 2016
Elvis: The Story of the Rock and Roll King has a unique, timeline structure to it. Each page starts with a year or event title to sequence Elvis's life. Strong verbs! "...blues chugging up both sides of the tracks..."
January 25, 2017
A simple but awesome biography of Elvis. I liked how the early bad parts of his life were still in the book but presented in a great way for kids. I would have liked more of his later musical life. Preschool and up.
December 17, 2014
From Ali:
***
From Dot:
***
From Judy:
****
From Saffron:
Amazing retelling of Elvis' formative years. *****
***
From Dot:
***
From Judy:
****
From Saffron:
Amazing retelling of Elvis' formative years. *****
July 5, 2017
The story of Elvis up to the point of his big break.
May 8, 2015
Nice, but felt like it was just a small part of his musical career/life.
May 20, 2015
Very atmospheric in a good way. Solid, but not great.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews