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Rent Party Jazz
Offering to quit school after his mother is laid off from her job, Sonny must find another solution when his mother refuses, and, with the help of a jazz musician, hosts a "rent party," where music helps to raise the needed money, in a touching story of jazz, friendship, and community.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
April 19, 2017
I like this book. It's sweet children's book with a good message about helping one another. Rent parties, like the one the story centers about, really took place during that time period, so in some sense one could say it is based on real events, even though it is fiction. I think it is probably a realistic portrayal of the situation many African Americans faced during the 1920s, and not just then.
I didn't actually read it though. I listened to Viola Davis read it on Storytime online, and she does it beautifully. That reading has some jazzy music in the background, and the illustrations are brought to life through animation adding another dimension to the story. I can recommend this for young readers, or listeners.
I didn't actually read it though. I listened to Viola Davis read it on Storytime online, and she does it beautifully. That reading has some jazzy music in the background, and the illustrations are brought to life through animation adding another dimension to the story. I can recommend this for young readers, or listeners.
June 22, 2017
"We'll show those rent men how good folks help each other."
A community's love for each other, in 1930s' New Orleans, demonstrates how temporary problems find permanent solutions through the love of good people. Rent parties, long used by African-Americans to help themselves or friends pay rent, receive the spotlight, brimming with the imaginary sounds of jazz and laughter, the imaginary sight of people cheering and dancing, and the imaginary smells of fried catfish and greens.
I love this book and hope others get to receive the same love.
A community's love for each other, in 1930s' New Orleans, demonstrates how temporary problems find permanent solutions through the love of good people. Rent parties, long used by African-Americans to help themselves or friends pay rent, receive the spotlight, brimming with the imaginary sounds of jazz and laughter, the imaginary sight of people cheering and dancing, and the imaginary smells of fried catfish and greens.
I love this book and hope others get to receive the same love.
April 22, 2017
Rent Party Jazz takes place in 1930s New Orleans, bringing to life the sights and sounds of a vibrant, culture filled city as well as the dire issues of Depression-Era life of Sonny Comeaux. Down on their luck, Sonny and his mother must come up with the rent after his mother loses her job at the fish cannery. In desperate measures Sonny contemplates how best to help, when he befriends local legend "Smiling" Jack the street trumpet player. With Jack's assistance, Sonny sets out to organize a rent party to raise the funds necessary, realizing the importance of community, strength through hard times, and the kindness that unites strangers.
I found Miller's work through Storytime Online, a digital-text website, where Viola Davis (Oscar-winning Actress) lends her vibrant voice as the narration. I don't know if a better choice could have been made. Davis reads as if retelling a story of her childhood. I most appreciated the sincerity of the narration Davis uses, including inflection and emotion often hard to convey with picture books.
The book is pluralistic in scope as the story incorporates aspects of African-American culture, more specifically southern life in New Orleans, but also addresses the issues and emotions of the socioeconomically disadvantaged. At one point Sonny offers to drop out of school and pick up a second job, much to the dismay of his mother. As a high school teacher with a large demographic of lower socioeconomic students this theme resonated with me, and I found the message of "staying in school despite economic hardships" poignant. At a time in U.S. history where the sensible option would be to drop out, Miller conveys an alternative option also relative to the situation surrounding families of the 2008 recession. In addition, Miller illuminates the sense of community and unity in culture that many readers may find refreshing in our global, technological-consumed world.
This book is most relevant to student readers within the middle school range, but themes can be applied to early high school and the illustrations and readability apply to higher elementary. However, the only rounded character we see is Sonny, and glimpses of "Smiling" Jack and Mother's realities. The relative sparse amount of complex characters make the book more a part of an ensemble to a teaching unit rather than the focus of one. But overall, the inclusive diversity and multicultural characteristics as well as the historical setting of New Orleans make this a worthy read for children's literature.
I found Miller's work through Storytime Online, a digital-text website, where Viola Davis (Oscar-winning Actress) lends her vibrant voice as the narration. I don't know if a better choice could have been made. Davis reads as if retelling a story of her childhood. I most appreciated the sincerity of the narration Davis uses, including inflection and emotion often hard to convey with picture books.
The book is pluralistic in scope as the story incorporates aspects of African-American culture, more specifically southern life in New Orleans, but also addresses the issues and emotions of the socioeconomically disadvantaged. At one point Sonny offers to drop out of school and pick up a second job, much to the dismay of his mother. As a high school teacher with a large demographic of lower socioeconomic students this theme resonated with me, and I found the message of "staying in school despite economic hardships" poignant. At a time in U.S. history where the sensible option would be to drop out, Miller conveys an alternative option also relative to the situation surrounding families of the 2008 recession. In addition, Miller illuminates the sense of community and unity in culture that many readers may find refreshing in our global, technological-consumed world.
This book is most relevant to student readers within the middle school range, but themes can be applied to early high school and the illustrations and readability apply to higher elementary. However, the only rounded character we see is Sonny, and glimpses of "Smiling" Jack and Mother's realities. The relative sparse amount of complex characters make the book more a part of an ensemble to a teaching unit rather than the focus of one. But overall, the inclusive diversity and multicultural characteristics as well as the historical setting of New Orleans make this a worthy read for children's literature.
May 26, 2017
Story: 4 stars
Illustrations: 4 stars
Set in Depression-era New Orleans, a local jazz musician helps an African American boy from a single-parent household throw a rent party to avoid eviction. Inspiring, hopeful message stresses the importance of helping others. Illustrations have a bold folk-art feel that complements the text nicely.
Illustrations: 4 stars
Set in Depression-era New Orleans, a local jazz musician helps an African American boy from a single-parent household throw a rent party to avoid eviction. Inspiring, hopeful message stresses the importance of helping others. Illustrations have a bold folk-art feel that complements the text nicely.
February 26, 2023
In 1930s New Orleans, Sonny and his mama are just making it by. Sonny works for the coal man before school and mama works in the fish canning factory, but unfortunately mama gets let go from her job. She is worried that they won't make the rent and will be kicked out, but tells Sonny that she will find another way to take care of them. Sonny seeks solace in Smilin' Jack's music in the French Quarter after school and confides in him about his problems. Smilin' Jack suggests that they throw a rent party "to put the old rent man back in his place." Smilin' Jack decides to help Sonny and his mama by playing his horn at their rent party. The party proves to be successful when mama finds that they made enough money for rent and then some! This story is a heartwarming display of community and togetherness in the face of adversity. The illustrations are amazingly detailed and childlike yet painted in a sweeping motion. It reminds me of artwork I have seen being sold in the Quarter, which gave the book an authentic New Orleans feel. I would definitely read this book to my future classroom because of the messages of community and helping people in need. It shows that we should help others whenever we can and in anyway we can.
March 14, 2019
“Rent Party Jazz” is a historical fiction picture book that takes place in 1930s New Orleans about a boy named Sonny who works for the coal man to earn extra money and help his mama. When Sonny’s mama loses her job at the fish canning factory, Sonny looked for ways to help raise the rent money to keep their belongings and stay out of the streets. Sonny met Smilin’ Jack, a jazz musician, who offered to help Sonny out by throwing a rent party to raise money. Sonny’s neighbors all came to Sonny’s party to contribute what they had, and by the end of the party, Sonny had raised enough rent money and learned about the importance of people helping each other out.
The story has a captivating and meaningful plot suitable for upper level elementary school students. Moreover, the story provides many questions to think about such as Sonny’s job and what would happen if Sonny decided to quit school to get a second job. Likewise, the story also poses a problem and offers a solution for students to discuss elaborately and would be a great lesson to implement in class about communities helping each other.
The illustrations are vibrant with colorful paint strokes that embody the energy of the story especially the excitement during Sonny’s rent party. In addition, the illustrations precisely represent the story line and characters.
All the characters are African American since the story is based on rent parties that emerged in African American neighborhoods in the South around the 1920s and 1930s. Regardless of only one ethnic group represented, the characters were all genuine and positive as no negative stereotypes were mentioned in the book.
The story has a captivating and meaningful plot suitable for upper level elementary school students. Moreover, the story provides many questions to think about such as Sonny’s job and what would happen if Sonny decided to quit school to get a second job. Likewise, the story also poses a problem and offers a solution for students to discuss elaborately and would be a great lesson to implement in class about communities helping each other.
The illustrations are vibrant with colorful paint strokes that embody the energy of the story especially the excitement during Sonny’s rent party. In addition, the illustrations precisely represent the story line and characters.
All the characters are African American since the story is based on rent parties that emerged in African American neighborhoods in the South around the 1920s and 1930s. Regardless of only one ethnic group represented, the characters were all genuine and positive as no negative stereotypes were mentioned in the book.
August 3, 2017
Rent Party Jazz by William Miller is a story, above all, about struggle, responsibility, hope and community. The great brush-stroke illustrations by Charlotte Riley-Webb create movement giving life to the scenes of New Orleans, to the people and to the trains of music pulsing through the city. You can practically feel the music bringing them all together, giving the reader a sense of belonging in the story too. I really appreciate the beautiful color palette and how the party scenes are so lively and colorful, contrasting against the darker, more somber tones of the street.
This story is both culturally significant and historically accurate. Rent parties are used to raise money, are a way for budding musicians to get off the ground and a selfless way to hold space for those in need. I highly recommend this book-it might inspire a blossoming philanthropist or a child with a heart of jazz.
This story is both culturally significant and historically accurate. Rent parties are used to raise money, are a way for budding musicians to get off the ground and a selfless way to hold space for those in need. I highly recommend this book-it might inspire a blossoming philanthropist or a child with a heart of jazz.
October 21, 2020
Rent Party Jazz
William Miller
Rent Party Jazz is a wonderful story set in 1930s New Orleans. This story gives the imagination. Those who will read the story will learn and understand that there are communities that become villages that help each other.
Sonny was looking to solve his problems, and how an idea can turn into a saving grace. A simple idea that brings the community together. This is a good book with a light introduction to vocabulary. I also enjoyed the picture in the book. Often times, when books are written with this era setting the faces of African Americans, are often very dark and the communities tend to be dirty and in poor shape. The illustrator does a good job displaying the excitement and happiness of the characters.
Rent Party Jazz has some foundational lessons that are critical to family values. The book can be used in many ways it can even be a good resource for social-emotional learning for students in younger grades, how to handle when your family is in crisis. I enjoyed this story very much.
I checked out the book from the local library as I wanted to see the pictures that were in print. After reading the book in print I listened to the book online (story online) and an audible version. I enjoyed the story online version as it displayed pictures but the audible version had a closer version to the narrative dialectic. The book spoke to diversity and culture which are embedded in the African American community. It is a great book for students in grade levels 1st to second grade. The vocabulary can be difficult for pre-K students. I would use this book across academic disciplines.
William Miller
Rent Party Jazz is a wonderful story set in 1930s New Orleans. This story gives the imagination. Those who will read the story will learn and understand that there are communities that become villages that help each other.
Sonny was looking to solve his problems, and how an idea can turn into a saving grace. A simple idea that brings the community together. This is a good book with a light introduction to vocabulary. I also enjoyed the picture in the book. Often times, when books are written with this era setting the faces of African Americans, are often very dark and the communities tend to be dirty and in poor shape. The illustrator does a good job displaying the excitement and happiness of the characters.
Rent Party Jazz has some foundational lessons that are critical to family values. The book can be used in many ways it can even be a good resource for social-emotional learning for students in younger grades, how to handle when your family is in crisis. I enjoyed this story very much.
I checked out the book from the local library as I wanted to see the pictures that were in print. After reading the book in print I listened to the book online (story online) and an audible version. I enjoyed the story online version as it displayed pictures but the audible version had a closer version to the narrative dialectic. The book spoke to diversity and culture which are embedded in the African American community. It is a great book for students in grade levels 1st to second grade. The vocabulary can be difficult for pre-K students. I would use this book across academic disciplines.
September 9, 2020
This is a cute little picture book that goes to explain how we can help each other in times of need. The main character lives with only his mother and money is tight for them. The young boy, Sunny helps his mom out with money by working before he goes to school. One day Sunny is shocked to find out that his mother got let go from her job. Sunny wants to find a way to help make sure that rent is covered. A trumpet player from the area suggests throwing a rent party. Sunny agrees and invites all of the neighbors that he can. The night is filled with jazz music,dancing, and singing. By the end of the night Sunny and his mom had enough money to pay their rent and some extra money! Sunny explained it was the happiest night of his life and it taught him to look out for one another.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2020
Rent Party Jazz written by William Miller, oof! This book was on another level! I am so glad I found this book. If I would have known about this book as a kid myself, I would have probably read this book every single day multiple times a day. The story behind it, the illustrations, the dialect used, everything about this book was spot on. I also think that this book could be relatable for some students and give a sense of hope as well. For students who can’t relate personally, I think that this book does an excellent job of portraying a very real issue that is present and help them understand that there is more to people than just what is on the outside and how important a helping hand can be.
June 15, 2017
Sonny has to raise money to help his family stay in their home in 1930's New Orleans. It contains elments of traditional African American, period and souther culture.The book deals with the themes of community and not over looking people such as "Smiling Jack", as well as the idea of thinink out side the box for solutions. I would reccommend this book for middle schools kids and think it would be great to explore themes of creative solutions to problem. While Sonny has to help his family with rent and comes up with an unusual solution, I think it woule be cool to have students do a project where they solve a project in an unconventional way.
December 9, 2020
The artwork of these illustrations caught my attention and helped this selection stand out to me. Each page looked like a classical work of art. It was reminiscent of Van Gogh's Starry Night brush strokes or those of Edvard Munch's The Scream. I thoroughly enjoyed the aesthetics.
The story itself was disheartening to elude people of color not paying their rent even though the outcome was positive. I believe there may be other more quality multicultural books set in Louisiana. I would only include this title in my classroom library if I had another title that depicted wealthy people of color in the same area to offset the possibility of presenting a single narrative.
The story itself was disheartening to elude people of color not paying their rent even though the outcome was positive. I believe there may be other more quality multicultural books set in Louisiana. I would only include this title in my classroom library if I had another title that depicted wealthy people of color in the same area to offset the possibility of presenting a single narrative.
April 24, 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade Range: 2nd-3rd
Book Review: Another book portraying a different culture! Since I have not been exposed to different cultures or areas, these books remind me that there are different perspectives out in the world I have yet to discover. I like how this book represents unity and togetherness. I love this southern style book and hope to add it to my collection.
Grade Range: 2nd-3rd
Book Review: Another book portraying a different culture! Since I have not been exposed to different cultures or areas, these books remind me that there are different perspectives out in the world I have yet to discover. I like how this book represents unity and togetherness. I love this southern style book and hope to add it to my collection.
June 4, 2020
2nd-3rd grade, Fiction
An inspiring and colorful children's book depicting about raising money for those less fortunate. It can help children learn about generosity and tenacity in times of need. It also can relate to history, as rent party jazz's really took place in New Orleans as a way to make money for rent in the 1930s. It also would be a fun way to learn about musical instruments and musicians like Louis Armstrong.
An inspiring and colorful children's book depicting about raising money for those less fortunate. It can help children learn about generosity and tenacity in times of need. It also can relate to history, as rent party jazz's really took place in New Orleans as a way to make money for rent in the 1930s. It also would be a fun way to learn about musical instruments and musicians like Louis Armstrong.
December 3, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and had some great illustrations. The book also conveys messages about helping one another out as well as the importance of community. This book centers around a rent party that the community is throwing to help one of the members of the community pay their rent. I think this book is a great representation of community and a great portrayal of different situations that African Americans faced during this time period.
December 4, 2020
I also listened to this one on Storyline Online, and I really enjoyed all the stories that showed cultures and people that are not normally shown in children's literature (but there are luckily starting to be more (: ). It was a humbling story about kindness and friendships and showing up for your community members who need it, while giving an interesting and engaging story. I think it would be a great read for children to show different backgrounds and genuine kindness
February 12, 2024
Rent Party Jazz
by William Miller
After reading the mystery, haunting book like A love song for Ricki Wilde, I saw more of the connection between Jazz and rent parties. How Harlem, and New Orleans used music to help raise funds to allow families to recover from economic stress. The book also shows how the nature of education is important, even with he less fortunate families. The bright colors and movement of the art work brings alive the music.
by William Miller
After reading the mystery, haunting book like A love song for Ricki Wilde, I saw more of the connection between Jazz and rent parties. How Harlem, and New Orleans used music to help raise funds to allow families to recover from economic stress. The book also shows how the nature of education is important, even with he less fortunate families. The bright colors and movement of the art work brings alive the music.
December 7, 2017
This is a story that a lot of kids/family may be able to relate to. There are a lot of families nowadays where the providers may lose their job when they least expect it. The only thing is that where I am from the kids don't work until they are 15, 16 years old. But when poverty is what a majority I am sure this happens a lot.
September 9, 2020
Rent Party Jazz by William Miller was an awesome book. It told the story of a hardworking kid named Sonny that did everything in his power to help his family stay afloat. This book also showed how people can come together to accomplish some amazing things, all while building a special friendship that is life changing for everyone involved.
September 9, 2020
This story gave me goosebumps because of how touching I thought Smilin-Jack's kindness was when he decided to help the main character. Many students can relate to the financial challenges Sonny and his mother faces. This story is touching, beautiful, and it shows how close a community can be. Anyone can make a difference in the life of another person.
September 15, 2020
This book was very entertaining. I really like how it was about a family who was struggling to pay their rent, I think it portrays a good message about helping one another. Many children and their family may relate to this story and others may learn from this story that there are many people who cannot always afford rent.
September 22, 2020
Taking place in 1930 in New Orleans, Rent Party Jazz brings a community together with music and love to raise money to pay rent. This children's book is a heart warming book that shows what good people can do when they work with one another, and is also historically accurate. A very diverse and unique book to include in classrooms!
September 28, 2020
I thought this story was great because it showed community and the importance of coming together. I enjoyed the illustrations throughout the book and thought they were engaging and colorful. The story also shows perseverance and kindness as the main character works to help out his mother, and receives help from the neighborhood and a stranger.
November 17, 2020
This was a heartwarming story about helping others in need! It was a great way to show the jazz culture of New Orleans in an exciting way for young readers. The message is great; that good people will always be there to help each other in times of need. The illustrations fit very well with the theme of the book; they're very loose and free-form which fits well with the musical content.
November 30, 2020
I thought this was a super cute story that is set in New Orleans around the 1930's. Its a story that gives children a new background of culture and also highlights poverty and the struggles with that. I think this is a good book to read to kids because sometimes some strands may be able to relate and other will be able to learn.
March 5, 2021
A young boy has to work to help his Mama with the rent money, and ends up finding a love of music too! It's a super sweet book about how a boy in a hard time finds a way to help and enjoy himself too! The art is beautiful and bright and super interesting to keep a reader focused. I would definitely put this in my classroom.
July 14, 2020
Amazing book. Especially in this time of matter with the black community. It brings joy to my soul because of the involvement with others and the support people can bring you. Shows how to come together.
September 9, 2020
Love this book! The author does a great job at incorporating struggle, love, and community into the story line. Great depiction of New Orleans during the 1930s and the visuals were amazing, vibrant, and very detailed.
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November 25, 2020This book includes different subsets like African American characters and music to make this book a good read for many different kinds of readers. It is casual and simple enough for a young reader to pick it up and start to read while it is also good as a read aloud to students and young children.
November 29, 2020
Great read for 2-3 grades. Great book to read and learn about blues and jazz. Its also amazing how the author told a story with black characters without using terms like slavery and segregation like most books. Giving her book an important role to children's literature.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews