Thursday, October 17, 2019

Stalebread and the Razzy Dazzy Spasm Band, written by Michael Mahin, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Student Reviewer: Sophie E.
Summary: Stalebread Charlie and Warm Gravy are street urchins living in New Orleans at the turn of the 19th century. They do their best to scavenge for food, but their bellies are never sufficiently full. After hearing some adult musicians play in the street one day and watching them receive compensation for their work, Stalebread is struck with an idea -- he and Gravy should form a band! They make use of trash to create their instruments and eventually more and more kids join their group. The group plays their first gigue for people in the street but don’t get the reaction they were hoping for. The listeners call the band’s sound “razzy” and “dazzy” and “spastic”. Demoralized, the band goes to a restaurant hoping to steal food, but instead, they get up the courage to try their music one more time. The people love it and the band’s popularity skyrockets.

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book may be used by the teaching community to educate emerging readers on the importance of believing in oneself even if no one else does. It also sheds light on the struggle of impoverished children in the past, as well as in modern times. At one point, after the “coppers” attempt to arrest Stalebread and Gravy, Stalbread remarks that “the coppers don’t care why you steal, just that you do.” This statement can prompt profound questions about ethics that are accessible to younger audiences. The use of onomatopoeia in the prose conveys a sense of rhythm and melody which can resonate with readers interested in music or songs. The illustrator made an afternote about the diversity of the kids in the band. The band was made up of children who were mostly white which is conveyed through the illustrations. There is an African-American police officer, which may have been true for that time period of New Orleans history. There is very little known about the Razzy Dazzy Spasm Band, so this book may be the only exposure students will get to it. It might make for a perfect read-aloud in a music class - anywhere from elementary to high school. Any student of jazz music might appreciate the foundation that this band provided for them. The author and illustrator notes at the end of the book are very interesting to read. A great purchase for a school library to be shared with all their music teachers.

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