She Persisted: Ella Fitzgerald

She Persisted

by Andrea Davis Pinkney, Chelsea Clinton, Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator)

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger comes a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Ella Fitzgerald!

Having lost her mother at a young age, Ella Fitzgerald struggled as a child, especially during the Great Depression. But after winning over the audience with her singing at an Amateur Night at the Apollo, Ella's career began, and she eventually went on to become a world-renowned singer known as the First Lady of Song.

In this chapter book biography by award-winning and bestselling author Andrea Davis Pinkney, readers learn about the amazing life of Ella Fitzgerald--and how she persisted . 

Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Ella Fitzgerald's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum.

And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted!

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Childrens, Biography Memoir, Picture Books

80 pages, Paperback

Published April 4, 2023

About the author

Andrea Davis Pinkney is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 20 books for children, including the Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book Duke Ellington, illustrated by Brian Pinkney; Let it Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book and winner of the Carter G. Woodson Award; and Alvin Ailey, a Parenting Publication Gold medal winner.

Pinkney's newest books include Meet the Obamas and Sojourner Truth's Step-Stomp Stride, which has garnered three starred reviews and has been named one of the "Best Books of 2009" by School Library Journal. In 2010, Andrea's book entitled Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up By Sitting Down, was published on the 50th anniversary of the Greensboro, North Carolina, sit-ins of 1960.

Her mother is a teacher and her father is a great storyteller, so growing up surrounded by books and stories is what inspired Andrea Davis Pinkney to choose a career as an author. The first official story she remembers writing was in second grade — it was about her family. Pinkney was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Connecticut. She went to Syracuse University, where she majored in journalism. After college, she followed her dream and worked as an editor for Essence magazine, but after watching her husband, Caldecott Award-winning artist Brian Pinkney, illustrate children's books, she decided to switch jobs and became involved in book publishing.

Andrea Davis Pinkney currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.

For more information, please see http://www.answers.com/topic/andrea-d...

Reviews

[Claire Smeltzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so many new things about one of my favorite artists! I had no clue she was originally a dancer, she was friends with Marilyn Monroe, or that she was the first black person to win a Grammy. You go, Ella!

This book did a nice job of presenting historical context and explaining the history of racism in Ella’s lifetime to its reader demographic (which I’m assuming is like 12 and under). But I think all can learn something and enjoy!

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't the best of the bunch. For such a short book, too much time was spent explaining how Marilyn Monroe made a deal with a club to go every day so Ella could perform there and increase their profits, despite the owner being hell bent on maintaining segregation. While it's good for people to see how allyship matters, this gave the book cringey white-centering vibes, especially in conjunction with the "how to persist" section being to make a tasket with mindful happiness slips. I wish more time had been spent on Ella's early life, as well. One thing I did like was mentioning how Ella was very nervous when she first started performing, but that she eventually became a master scat improviser singer, which takes creativity and bravery.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: Ella Jane Fitzgerald was born with her own special rhythm.

Premise/plot: Ella Fitzgerald is one of the nonfiction biographies in the "She Persisted" series. It is an illustrated chapter book biography. It is an age-appropriate biography of the legendary singer. It will serve as an introduction (I hope!) to Ella Fitzgerald's music.

My thoughts: I love, love, love Ella Fitzgerald. I do. While adults who are familiar with her life probably won't learn much that is 'new' to them, this is a good introduction for elementary-aged young readers. There are a few picture book biographies of her as well, I believe.

[Keonique Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books gives you a small dive into the life of the amazing Ella Fitzgerald. This journey is provided to show the many different strides that had to be made for women and people of color.

[Rene Del Bosque Moncayo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella fue huérfana al tener dos años la vida le dio una voz maravillosa y la llevó a ser la mejor cantante del mundo

[AK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect early reader biography: short, zesty language, great subject. Gotta love Ella.

[Stacy Renee (LazyDayLit) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children's
Nonfiction
Biography

[Natasha Roslosnik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great basic information about the legendary singer.

Would love to learn more about her.

[Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great person to feature in this series. I'm sure readers will seek out Ella's music after reading about her life!

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to Ella Fitzgerald for early chapter book readers. Suggested listening and follow up activities are included.