John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie: A Man, a Trumpet, and a Journey to Bebop

by Susan Engle, Luthando Mazibuko (Illustrator)

John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie was a jazz musician who pioneered the style of bebop in the 1940s. This book, written for middle grade readers, chronicles Dizzy’s life, starting with his childhood in Cheraw, South Carolina and the racism he faced during this time. We hear how one of Dizzy’s teachers saw his talent and encouraged him to play trumpet, and how this playing provided an escape from the constant racial prejudice surrounding Dizzy and his family. We learn how Dizzy got his start as a musician in the Teddy Hill Band, the impact he made on jazz and bebop, and the many travels around the world he made before his passing on January 6, 1993. Readers will gain an appreciation of the legacy of Dizzy Gillespie and the impact he made on jazz, bebop, and music as a whole.

90 pages, Paperback

Published February 25, 2020

Reviews

[Candace Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy to have read Susan's new children's book, and will now deliver to the local elementary school library tomorrow. Also, time to find those Dizzy playlists on You Tube.

[Tahira Ahmad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This engaging picture book biography captures the life and music of jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, one of the founding fathers of bebop. Engle presents Gillespie’s journey from his South Carolina childhood to becoming an internationally acclaimed trumpeter and bandleader, emphasizing both his technical brilliance and his playful personality. The text highlights Gillespie’s resilience in overcoming racism and poverty, while celebrating his innovation in reshaping jazz with complex rhythms and improvisational energy.
Mazibuko’s illustrations radiate movement and joy, echoing the vibrancy of Gillespie’s music. The artwork deftly conveys the atmosphere of jam sessions, the excitement of the stage, and Dizzy’s signature bent trumpet and puffed cheeks, making him instantly recognizable to young readers.
Back matter offers additional historical context, a timeline, and resources for further exploration, strengthening the book’s classroom and library value.
Verdict: A lively, well-rounded introduction to an iconic musician whose creativity changed the sound of American music. Essential for collections highlighting African American history, jazz, and the arts.

[Margaret Tuomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Children's book!