Nonfiction Monday

 

Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow is a lively picture book biography of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, “the Godmother of rock and roll”.

 

Rosetta Tharpe, singer and songwriter, began playing the guitar as a child and grew so skilled that she joined her mother entertaining audiences at church and on stage as part of her mother’s musical group. Her travels across the country expanded her musical knowledge and she soon built on her gospel roots by pairing spiritual songs with the electric guitar to produce a unique sound all her own.

Although her name may be unfamiliar—Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and even Eric Clapton gave her credit for influencing their music.

Barlow imagines Rosetta’s childhood in this wonderfully entertaining book that makes clever use of onomatopoeia to capture audience attention—making for an exuberant reading experience.  Her bold illustrations pop on every page with movement and joy. An Author’s Note at the end provides additional details about the life and times of this talented performer.

Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar highlights an extraordinary Black artist and offers an inspiring reminder for youthful readers that success takes time and persistence pays off.

Recommended for aspiring young musicians and music lovers of all ages.