How Sweet the Sound

Featuring artists ranging from Miles Davis to Kendrick Lamar, dive into this stunningly illustrated celebration of the history of Black music in America by the award-winning author of The Undefeated.

Listen to the sound of survival, courage, and democracy--the soundtrack of America. Hear Billie Holiday's raspy, mournful voice, and tap your foot to Louis Armstrong's trumpet. Scream with James Brown and bop your head to Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Can you spot the 80+ references to artists like Robert Johnson, Ella Fitzgerald, Jimi Hendrix, Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, and Beyonce?

Come dance to Kwame Alexander's melodious narrative of the history of Black music in America, accompanied by the vibrant illustrations of Charly Palmer.

The book includes extensive back matter, providing even more context and history about the music and musicians.

Author: Kwame Alexander
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 01/14/2025
Pages: 48
Binding Type: Hardcover
Size: 10.25h x 10.25w x 0.36d
ISBN: 9780316442497
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 11/01/2024 pg. 78
Publishers Weekly 11/11/2024
Booklist 11/01/2024 pg. 60
Kirkus Reviews 11/15/2024
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 01/01/2024