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Odetta: The Queen of Folk
A picture book that shines light on the indomitable life of one of the most influential American folksingers in the history of our country.
In the spirit of WHEN MARIAN SANG, this book introduces young readers to Odetta, an American folk legend. Lyrical text and striking paintings tell the story of the incredible singer whose life and works inspired such icons as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Tracy Chapman. The book comes from the author's long and fruitful artistic relationship with Odetta and is based on personal dialogues he had with her before her death in December 2008.
In the spirit of WHEN MARIAN SANG, this book introduces young readers to Odetta, an American folk legend. Lyrical text and striking paintings tell the story of the incredible singer whose life and works inspired such icons as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Tracy Chapman. The book comes from the author's long and fruitful artistic relationship with Odetta and is based on personal dialogues he had with her before her death in December 2008.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2010
1 person is currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Alcorn
36 books5 followersStudied in Florence, Italy. Currently lives in Cambridge, New York with his wife Sabina and his two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 11, 2016
Odetta: The Queen of Folk takes the universal relationship between human and music and produces a strong and vibrant story about inclusion, growth, and creativity. The phrase "one soul's noise is another soul's music" is brought about in the beginning of the book as foreshadowing the horrid events of separation that are about to occur for Odetta's family. The author references the black and white keys of the piano to the outside world's current issues of blending races. I appreciated this form of imagery, in that is not only visual, but auditory as well. Jim Crow is personified, and Odetta questions why there are not fountains for her mother and herself. Odetta not only struggles with the idea of being "colored", but she finds frustration living in a world that is built and run by adults. Her helplessness is palpable.
The vocabulary used in this book is poetic and informative. The author creates fun games with words that may be more difficult for children to pronounce or remember. Birmingham is pronounced as "burning ham". Los Angeles is pronounced "lost-angeles", the place where Odetta is sent to live, away from her home, so that she may live a better life. Negro is spelled "knee-grow". This language twist runs parallel with Odetta's struggle of living in an adult world. Because she does not know how to exist in a world she does not understand, she creates her own perspective on things. As Odetta grows older, she becomes to understand the world, and she lets out her voice as a tool to try and mesh races together, like the black and white keys on a piano.
Major historical moments are produced in this story book as well as poetry. The poem lists and compares events that are all detrimental to the African American race. As the story goes on, progress ensues, and history is remarked upon again. This is a great book for students to read while they are learning about the trials the African American culture went through. THey could be studying civil rights, slavery, or the underground railroad. They could be studying the art and music of cultures who have struggled through racism and segregation. They could study the art of different African American cultures from different areas of America: the South, the North, California. This book is full of art, music, and energy to keep children and adults reminiscent on the history that lays within its bindings.
Activity:
A fun activity to do with this book could be similar to the one I discovered in my Special Education class. A teacher reads poetry to a group of students, and she pairs them up to discuss the readings. The teacher will read one or two lines, and the children will turn to each other to try and makes sense of the poem. What does it mean to them? What does it sound like? Maybe the students will draw a picture so that that poem makes more sense to them.
The vocabulary used in this book is poetic and informative. The author creates fun games with words that may be more difficult for children to pronounce or remember. Birmingham is pronounced as "burning ham". Los Angeles is pronounced "lost-angeles", the place where Odetta is sent to live, away from her home, so that she may live a better life. Negro is spelled "knee-grow". This language twist runs parallel with Odetta's struggle of living in an adult world. Because she does not know how to exist in a world she does not understand, she creates her own perspective on things. As Odetta grows older, she becomes to understand the world, and she lets out her voice as a tool to try and mesh races together, like the black and white keys on a piano.
Major historical moments are produced in this story book as well as poetry. The poem lists and compares events that are all detrimental to the African American race. As the story goes on, progress ensues, and history is remarked upon again. This is a great book for students to read while they are learning about the trials the African American culture went through. THey could be studying civil rights, slavery, or the underground railroad. They could be studying the art and music of cultures who have struggled through racism and segregation. They could study the art of different African American cultures from different areas of America: the South, the North, California. This book is full of art, music, and energy to keep children and adults reminiscent on the history that lays within its bindings.
Activity:
A fun activity to do with this book could be similar to the one I discovered in my Special Education class. A teacher reads poetry to a group of students, and she pairs them up to discuss the readings. The teacher will read one or two lines, and the children will turn to each other to try and makes sense of the poem. What does it mean to them? What does it sound like? Maybe the students will draw a picture so that that poem makes more sense to them.
January 7, 2011
"Odetta couldn't just sing, she could sang."
I'm reserving some Odetta right now!
I'm reserving some Odetta right now!
October 7, 2017
Subject
Odetta (1930-2008) was an American civil rights activist and musician.
Scope
Written in verse, this book uses two main metaphors to explain the contribution of Odetta to the world of folk music. One is the symbol of a birdcage, used to convey experiences of being held back and set free, and the other is the black and white keys of the piano, which are used to represent the joyful and sorrowful moments of her life. The narrative begins with Odetta's birth, and describes a childhood during which she was prevented from making music. Then it explores her teen years, when her family was finally able to afford music lessons, and shows how these lessons led to her success as the "queen of folk." Her life story is set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, providing context about the Jim Crow laws, and the experiences of black people which inspired Odetta's songwriting.
About the Illustrations
The pictures have a dreamlike quality which matches the text, but they are hard to decode, especially for kids.
Author's Note
The author's note, "Ode to Odetta," provides straightforward information about Odetta's life, accompanied by a photograph of her with the illustrator, Stephen Alcorn. Also included is a list of Odetta's albums.
Additional Comments
This is an interesting book, but it's not very accessible to young readers. At times, it tries too hard to speak in a child's voice, using phrases like "Burning Ham" instead of Birmingham and "Lost Angeles" instead of Los Angeles, and at other times, the language is too complex and off-putting. I also find it strange - and annoying - that the author of the poem which serves as the book's text is not given any credit on the front cover.
Odetta (1930-2008) was an American civil rights activist and musician.
Scope
Written in verse, this book uses two main metaphors to explain the contribution of Odetta to the world of folk music. One is the symbol of a birdcage, used to convey experiences of being held back and set free, and the other is the black and white keys of the piano, which are used to represent the joyful and sorrowful moments of her life. The narrative begins with Odetta's birth, and describes a childhood during which she was prevented from making music. Then it explores her teen years, when her family was finally able to afford music lessons, and shows how these lessons led to her success as the "queen of folk." Her life story is set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, providing context about the Jim Crow laws, and the experiences of black people which inspired Odetta's songwriting.
About the Illustrations
The pictures have a dreamlike quality which matches the text, but they are hard to decode, especially for kids.
Author's Note
The author's note, "Ode to Odetta," provides straightforward information about Odetta's life, accompanied by a photograph of her with the illustrator, Stephen Alcorn. Also included is a list of Odetta's albums.
Additional Comments
This is an interesting book, but it's not very accessible to young readers. At times, it tries too hard to speak in a child's voice, using phrases like "Burning Ham" instead of Birmingham and "Lost Angeles" instead of Los Angeles, and at other times, the language is too complex and off-putting. I also find it strange - and annoying - that the author of the poem which serves as the book's text is not given any credit on the front cover.
January 3, 2012
I hesitated to read this simply because I'd never heard of this woman before. But I'm glad I did! Odetta Holmes was a black folk singer born in 1930 in Birmingham, Alabama. She began her musical career by playing the piano, but her tunes weren't too pleasing to her family, so she turned to singing instead. She also played the guitar in a unique way, called "the Odetta strum." This is one book that should have come with a CD of her music, because now I've got to hear her. Fortunately, a list of Odetta's recordings is provided at the back of the book. Samantha Thornhill, who writes in lyrical fashion, describes in poetical language the effect of Odetta's music on her listeners. Stephen Alcorn, who met Odetta (as evidenced by a photo of the two of them at the back of the book), has created equally lyrical, colorful illustrations, reminiscent of the style of the '60s, when folk music was so popular. I can't understand how I never heard of her, when I love folk music, and when she inspired so many other artists, like Joan Baez, Janis Joplin, Joan Armatrading, and Bob Dylan. Thank goodness for children's book like this one, that keep alive the memory of these wonderful artists for future generations. Recommended!!
March 6, 2013
This beautifully illustrated and poetically told picture book about Odetta Holmes can be shared with young students just on its language and colorful pictures alone. It's a kid-friendly biography of 1960s era black folk singer, Odetta Holmes. Classically trained, Ms. Holmes became known during the Civil Rights movement as a folk singer, although her songs actually blend spirituals, jazz, and blues. She performed at Carnegie Hall and the Newport Folk Festival, as well as at various Civil Rights protests, including the 1963 March on Washington.
Odetta The Queen of Folk can also be shared with older students during lessons on figurative and poetic language. I would hope that teachers would play some of her music (easily accessible on youtube and itunes) when using this lovely book in class. Music teachers would find this a useful bridge between literature and folk songs.
I'm always trying to go outside of the usual "heroes" during Black History Month (as intriguing as their stories are). This picture book would introduce children to a unique black history figure who is probably unknown to them.
Odetta The Queen of Folk can also be shared with older students during lessons on figurative and poetic language. I would hope that teachers would play some of her music (easily accessible on youtube and itunes) when using this lovely book in class. Music teachers would find this a useful bridge between literature and folk songs.
I'm always trying to go outside of the usual "heroes" during Black History Month (as intriguing as their stories are). This picture book would introduce children to a unique black history figure who is probably unknown to them.
February 28, 2013
Audience: Odette applies to both boys and girls, more so girls because they are more likely to pick this book up based on the cover. This book can shed a lot of light on Folk music and culture along with its rich history to all who reads it.
Appeal: The words and phrases come off onto the page so well it is like magic. The colors of the pictures matched the rich history and tone of the story so well. The pictures carries the audience step-by-step gracefully through the story giving off the perfect feeling all the audience should feel to the very end.
Application: I would incorporate this book into a history lesson. Folk music is part of art and history as well as Odette. When discussing Odette in our history lesson, this is a wonderful, capturing book to read to show her life and everything she has created.
Copyright: 2010
Appeal: The words and phrases come off onto the page so well it is like magic. The colors of the pictures matched the rich history and tone of the story so well. The pictures carries the audience step-by-step gracefully through the story giving off the perfect feeling all the audience should feel to the very end.
Application: I would incorporate this book into a history lesson. Folk music is part of art and history as well as Odette. When discussing Odette in our history lesson, this is a wonderful, capturing book to read to show her life and everything she has created.
Copyright: 2010
February 27, 2012
This was a great book for children to learn about the culture of African Americans and what they went through when they first came to America. It discusses the singing in the fields, prison songs, and other music to make life beautiful. Odetta at the time was facing segregation and wasn't sure how to handle it and didn't really know what was going on. Odetta grew up to love the piano and wanted to sing to create something sensational and beautiful. She ignored the Jim Crow laws, saying that even they couldn't tell her no. She grew to be famous and sang at churches, swamps, down south by the fields, and sang folk music to talk of her culture and show that others can overcome oppression.
July 6, 2016
I really enjoyed the illustrations for this book. They really convey a lyrical quality. The poem was nice too though I would have liked more facts. I wanted it to be more of a biography, but that just isn't the purpose of this book I guess.
I appreciated this review from The Happy Nappy Bookseller http://thehappynappybookseller.blogsp... because it pointed out something that I was wondering when I read it. They discuss the nickname Burning Ham. I was wondering if the name would be linked to the bombs and burning homes of earlier times rather than the more benign burning Christmas ham.
I appreciated this review from The Happy Nappy Bookseller http://thehappynappybookseller.blogsp... because it pointed out something that I was wondering when I read it. They discuss the nickname Burning Ham. I was wondering if the name would be linked to the bombs and burning homes of earlier times rather than the more benign burning Christmas ham.
March 15, 2011
This book-length poem about Odetta and her life is a real treat. While it would be difficult for kids to use this book for a biography report, with its limited organization of facts and figures, it is a good introduction to the reasons why she made her music. The barely-credited poet, Samantha Thornhill, turned in an excellent job. The book was apparently the idea of artist Stephen Alcorn, whose illustrations fill every page. Reading the book is like watching the notes of a spiritual taking flight.
February 24, 2014
This is the story of Odetta, who became an icon within the folk music world. This is her life told in poetry, from her early beginnings in the south to her rise and growing following. The images and words come together to tell about this influential musician.
I picked this book up because it related to the lessons I was teaching on Black History Month.
I finished the book within one period.
I would recommend this book to music lovers. I think Aiyana would like this book because it would give here a chance to learn about a strong. musical woman.
I picked this book up because it related to the lessons I was teaching on Black History Month.
I finished the book within one period.
I would recommend this book to music lovers. I think Aiyana would like this book because it would give here a chance to learn about a strong. musical woman.
April 27, 2014
There is powerful use of symbolism in this story. Musical concepts such as black and white keys working together in harmony are representative of Odetta's feelings about people. Line and shape are used in the illustrations to divide highly complex patterns of colors and images that make them truly eye-catching.
This book describes all of Odetta's inspirations for her music. These include sounds she heard in the cotton fields and chain gangs near her home, and the gospel music in her church. She also drew on the injustices of Jim Crow laws for the lyrics and spirit of her music.
This book describes all of Odetta's inspirations for her music. These include sounds she heard in the cotton fields and chain gangs near her home, and the gospel music in her church. She also drew on the injustices of Jim Crow laws for the lyrics and spirit of her music.
Read
December 20, 2011I have never heard of Odetta Holmes until I read about her in this book. She was one of the brigest stars of the 1960s folk music renaissance. Bob Dylan gave her credit for inspiring him to enter into the folk music world with an acoustic guitar. She was before Marian Anderson, another legendary singer for civil rights and justice.
August 19, 2015
'What to name this little ball of star stuff and song and light straight from God's eye? Odetta. The perfect name for a star this brown and this bright!' This is the story of the life of Odetta Holmes, one of the brightest stars of the folk music renaissance.
December 18, 2010
THIS BOOK NEEDS TO BE READ ALOUD!! Beautiful flow and pictures to match.
January 25, 2011
Poetically written. Wonderfully illustrated. May be hard for younger audiences to grasp the story, but an excellent introduction to the amazing Odetta.
September 23, 2015
This readaloud does a good job of explaining the concept of Jim Crow laws.
March 30, 2016
got for my son from the library. it is a great book for all to read. beautiful pictures and it was a good and fun read for him. recommend it to parents to
December 22, 2017
Good, but short, biography. Good illustrations, too.
February 6, 2021
Beautiful art, but the verse was somewhat abstruse and used dialect that I found problematic coming from a white-presenting author.
March 28, 2021
Beautiful illustrations, and a great intro to both Odetta and the lived experience of Jim Crow from the eyes of a child.
April 26, 2023
Very solid writing and illustrations with oomph.
November 10, 2010
Odetta Holmes is a folk music legend who received numerous awards and honors during her 54-year career. Her innovative work influenced other musical greats like Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin. Through his beautiful illustrations and poetry, Stephen Alcorn, a long-time friend and admirer of Odetta's, creates a loving tribute to her work and life.
While I think the poetry seems forced at times, Alcorn celebrates Odetta's musical and humanitarian legacy.
While I think the poetry seems forced at times, Alcorn celebrates Odetta's musical and humanitarian legacy.
September 29, 2011
This is a cool book. The context is biographical of course, but the poetry of Stephen Alcorn is both alarmingly concise and illuminating. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book. The endnotes reveal an understanding of the book's subject that few biographers can claim. Overall, this book is good for anyone that wants to read good poetry, learn more about folk music, read a good biography, or marvel at some unusually stylish illustration. It's a very good read.
June 9, 2011
I loved, loved, loved the illustrations in this book, but liked the text less. There was some repetition that didn't add to the storyline or create a meaningful pattern. Also, while I learned something about Odetta, what was given, wasn't enough. I wanted more details about her life.
March 29, 2016
Glorious illustrations!
August 31, 2012
Gorgeous illustrations
October 6, 2014
A very unusual style of writing. I couldn't decide whether I liked it or not. Yet, it was fun to learn about this amazing woman.
September 10, 2015
Gorgeous, fascinating illustrations; interesting and intriguing topic; and only adequate writing. I feel like this book could have been AMAZING. It fell a little short of that goal.
February 1, 2016
Basically useless as a biography. I'm not sure what it is useful for. It seems to be just a random hodge-podge of all the usual suspect images accompanied by jive text that has no real meaning.
June 6, 2016
The pictorial biography told in a mix of verse, rhyme and prose of an innovative folk musician and civil rights activist.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews