The Seattle Opera will be presenting Charlie Parker's Yardbird, Feb. 22-Mar. 7, 2020. Seattle Public Library created this resource list for high-schoolers inspired to learn more about this legendary jazz saxophonist, to explore the history of bebop and jazz, and to discover some jazz-infused novels. Enjoy!
The History of Jazz
Presents the legendary jazz players, the breakthrough styles, and the world in which jazz evolved.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View The History of JazzExperiencing Jazz
Renowned jazz drummer Stephans covers the art of listening to and enjoying this dynamic, ever-changing art form.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Experiencing JazzHarlem Summer
In this young adult novel set in 1920s Harlem, sixteen-year-old saxophonist Mark struggles to advance his jazz career while working as a gopher for the new African-American magazine, "The Crisis," and becoming involved with mobster Dutch Schultz.
Format: Book
Availability: No Longer Available
View Harlem SummerBud, Not Buddy
Ten-year-old Bud, a motherless boy living in Flint, Michigan, during the Great Depression, escapes a bad foster home and sets out in search of the man he believes to be his father--the renowned jazz bandleader, H.E. Calloway of Grand Rapids.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Bud, Not BuddySaint Louis Armstrong Beach
Saint is enjoying life in New Orleans, playing jazz clarinet for the tourists in his spare time, accompanied by Shadow, a local stray dog. When Hurricane Katrina approaches, Saint faces unexpected challenges in trying to rescue Shadow. (Also available as an eBook)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Saint Louis Armstrong BeachClayton Byrd Goes Underground
Feeling most alive when he's playing the blues with his grandfather, Clayton is devastated when his grandfather dies and his mother forbids him from playing music, losses that compel him to run away and join the bluesmen on the road. (Also available as an eBook)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Clayton Byrd Goes UndergroundOpera
A concise history of opera, profusely illustrated with photographs and drawings. (Also available as an eBook)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Opera