This story talks about grief, discrimination, and hardship but it also discusses the beauty you can find even in the most difficult times. The character finds it in her memories of music, but it is great to talk about with this children because it talks about a horrible period in our history while also giving them someone to root for and a story that is accessible.

Cassie’s family joins the Great Migration after her family is forced to find a new place of work. During the journey, her dad uses his love of blues to keep the family positive and to help connect them to the community in their new home. When she looks back at her childhood, she can't remember everything but she can remember music because her daddy played the blues. The book is a tribute to the history of African American struggles and their transformation to lyrics and songs. ( )

A great book that links music and culture. Shows how prevalent music is in the African American culture and gives students a glimpse into the past. ( )

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss. ( )

This fictional text about the Great Migration (1930s) is a tribute to the long struggle for social and economic justice. It’s also an homage to the rich, yearning strain of American music born in the South. Includes About the Author, Further Information About the Blues.