Forty years after her death, Janis Joplin remains among the most compelling and influential figures in rock-and-roll history. Her story—told here with depth and sensitivity by author Ann Angel—is one of a girl who struggled against rules and limitations, yet worked diligently to improve as a singer. It’s the story of an outrageous rebel who wanted to be loved, and of a wild woman who wrote long, loving letters to her mom. And finally, it’s the story of one of the most iconic female musicians in American history, who died at twenty-seven. Janis Joplin includes more than sixty photographs, and an assortment of anecdotes from Janis’s friends and band mates. This thoroughly researched and well-illustrated biography is a must-have for all young artists, music lovers, and pop-culture enthusiasts. Read more

This program is read by the authors. The American Book Award winner, now completely adapted for a young adult audience!From award-winning author Jeff Chang, Can't Stop Won't Stop is the story of hip-hop, a generation-defining movement and the music that transformed American politics and culture forever.Hip-hop is one of the most dominant and influential cultures in America, giving new voice to the younger generation. It defines a generation's worldview. Exploring hip-hop's beginnings up to the present day, Jeff Chang and Dave "Davey D" Cook provide a provocative look into the new world that the hip-hop generation has created.Based on original interviews with DJs, b-boys, rappers, activists, and gang members, with unforgettable portraits of many of hip-hop's forebears, founders, mavericks, and present-day icons, this audiobook chronicles the epic events, ideas, and the music that marked the hip-hop generation's rise. A Macmillan Audio production from Wednesday Books Read more

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The American Book Award winner, now completely adapted for a young adult audience! From award-winning author Jeff Chang, Can't Stop Won't Stop is the story of hip-hop, a generation-defining movement and the music that transformed American politics and culture forever. Hip hop is one of the most dominant and influential cultures in America, giving new voice to the younger generation. It defines a generation's worldview. Exploring hip hop's beginnings up to the present day, Jeff Chang and Dave "Davey D" Cook provide a provocative look into the new world that the hip hop generation has created. Based on original interviews with DJs, b-boys, rappers, activists, and gang members, with unforgettable portraits of many of hip hop's forebears, founders, mavericks, and present day icons, this book chronicles the epic events, ideas and the music that marked the hip hop generation's rise. Read more

It's no secret that Beethoven went deaf, that Mozart had constant money problems, and that Gilbert and Sullivan wrote musicals. But what were these people—and other famous musicians—really like? What did they eat? What did they wear? How did they spend their time? And—possibly most interesting of all—what did their neighbors think?Discover the fascinating and often humorous stories of twenty famous musicians—people of all shapes, sizes, temperaments, and lifestyles, from various countries and historical periods. Beginning with Vivaldi and ending with Woodie Guthrie, Lives of the Musicians brings musical history to life! Read more

50 Amazing Images of Famous Singers, Rock Stars, and Legendary Music Artists for Children Aged 5-12High-quality original illustrations of famous pop stars and rock singers from past and present. The ideal colouring book for any boy or girl who loves music, rock stars and pop singers like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, Beyonce, Lizzo, Cardi B, The Weeknd, Shakira, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Whitney Houston, Stormzy, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, Aretha Franklin, Billie Eilish, Bad Bunny, Paul McCartney and many more!This colouring book contains 50 unique, full-page colouring pages of famous pop singers and rock legends.High-quality illustrations are suitable for children of all abilities.Multiple artists from pop artists to rock stars.The illustrations are all one-sided, which makes for easier colouring in and less bleed-through when using felt-tip pens.The colouring book is designed for all girls and teenagers aged 5 and up.It is the perfect gift or singing party favour for any girl or boy who loves pop stars and pop music.Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 inchesPages: 50 drawings. Read more

Ludwig van Beethoven created music that moves and inspires us to this day; his very name sparks a melody in the ear. But are you born a genius? This graphic biography asks: “Who was Beethoven before he became ‘Beethoven?’"A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard SelectionMaster cartoonist Mikael Ross (The Thud) tells the story of Beethoven from 1778 to his first major public appearance in Vienna in 1795. It begins when the family is living a difficult life in Bonn. Father Johann battles with alcoholism and is deep in debt. Only young Ludwig and his talent at the piano offer any hope for the future ― if only he would stop composing his own pieces and just play what’s expected of him.Author Ross was asked to do a small comic for the Beethoven Society. Through this opportunity, he discovered the diaries of the baker’s son that lived downstairs from Beethoven’s family, the content of which inspired Golden Boy. As in his previous book, The Thud, Ross skillfully mixes humor with empathy and pure social drama, crafting a coming-of-age story that transcends its biographical subject matter. His colorful, expressive style and mastery of the language of comics are perfectly suited to the tall task of capturing Beethoven’s timeless music visually. Full-color illustrations throughout Read more

A singer belts out a lonesome song. A guitarist plucks out a twangy lead. A fiddle player brings out a sweet melody. These are the sounds of country. Country music rose out of the folk songs that immigrants brought to the United States. The music spread from the American South to all over the country, capturing the hopes and the struggles of everyday people. In the twenty-first century, fans enjoy all sorts of wild, upbeat, and moving styles of country music. Find out what inspired the country's most memorable songs. Discover the stories of outlaw musicians and Nashville legends. And learn more about superstars such as Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, and Taylor Swift. Read more

Why Pop Music Sucks illuminates the modern history of music exploring every decade from the 1950s to the 2020s exposing how pop music developed and evolved to the state within which it exists now. Why Pop Music Sucks tells a story about magic but you know the magic is going to end, and the future is an ugly question mark. Why Pop Music Sucks explores all of this change by change, and element by element, AND… in less than a hundred pages.Why Pop Music Sucks is here to slap you in the face. We have become the “frog in the pot of water that succumbed after being ever so slowly boiled to death.” This book will illuminate the facts, events, legislation, economics, human behavior, and technology to which all of pop music and all of us have been affected.The media environment within which young people exist is one that favors visual interaction within a musical performance. For middle-school, high-school, and college students, Why Pop Music Sucks will explore that environment and explain what happened in a succinct, memorable, and interactive way in less than 100 pages. Read more

A 16-year-old violin virtuoso. A 12-year-long career. This is the story of Leia Zhu, The Violin Girl.At a mere 16, Leia Zhu commands the stage as Artist-in-Residence with the London Mozart Players, is the youngest musician to be included as Classic FM's 30 brilliant young musicians under the age of 30, a BBC Music Mag Rising Star, the youngest artist on HarrisonParrott's roster, among many other roles within the industry - a true rising force in classical music.This is her story. Told with her own words.With raw honesty, infectious humour, and boundless passion, Leia Zhu unravels her worldwide escapades and the artful balance of other pursuits with her extraordinary childhood in this captivating memoir.In this memoir, Leia shares her thoughts on music, illuminating its profound impact on her life and the world around her. Her reflections resonate deeply, offering a window into the transformative power of music and passion and the universal language it speaks.Bows, Strings, and Dreams is more than just Leia's story; it's an invitation to experience the joy, challenges, and triumphs of a remarkable artist. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and uplifted by Leia's extraordinary journey through the world of classical music. Read more

Author Brendan Masar introduces readers to the driving beat of punk rock. The scene in which punk rock originated is richly detailed, from New York to London. Genre characteristics are explained, and new wave, post-punk, and hardcore are all explored. The evolution in which punk became mainstream and what punk rock is in the 21st century is also explained. Read more

Dive into the world of Taylor Swift like never before."101 Fascinating Facts About Taylor Swift - Essential Trivia, Quotes, and Questions for Super Fans" is more than just a book; it is perfect for young fans who truly love Taylor Swift.It's a fun journey that takes you into the heart of Taylor's world. It is full of interesting information about her career, song lyrics, and personal life.Get ready to learn and have fun at the same time!The Origins: Explore the roots of some of Taylor's most famous phrases and lyrics. You'll learn about the inspiration behind her songwriting.Beyond the Clichés: Discover fascinating facts and stories that show a more complete picture of Taylor's artistry and personality. You'll be surprised to learn things that challenge common stereotypes.Quote Treasury: Dive into a collection of Taylor's most memorable quotes. You'll get a glimpse into her thoughts and how she sees the world.Engaging Trivia: Test your Taylor Swift knowledge with fun and challenging trivia questions. Even if you're a big fan, you'll learn something new!Interactive Elements: Answer thought-provoking questions and color in alongside Taylor Swift!"101 Fascinating Facts About Taylor Swift" isn't just about listing facts; it's about connecting with the essence of what makes Taylor Swift a global phenomenon.Whether you're a true Swiftie or new to the Swiftie community, this book is a gateway to your richer fan experience! It's your all-access pass to understanding Taylor's journey, her music, and the impact she's had on millions of fans worldwide.Embrace your inner Swiftie. Add "101 Fascinating Facts About Taylor Swift" to your collection today and step into a world where every detail about Taylor Swift becomes a fascinating discovery.Click 'Add to Cart' now and be part of a unique community that appreciates the magic and mastery of Taylor Swift's legacy. Read more

Okay, I know what you’re thinking…Why would I buy this book? What could possibly be presented to support such an absurd idea? Taylor Really is The Worst? Puhleaaaase.She’s been pulling the wool over her fans’ eyes for years, crafting this carefully constructed image of a relatable, down-to-earth superstar. Just hear me out. I’m doing this for you! Let’s consider just a couple points:First off, her music. Those catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics? All part of the act, my friend. She’s been churning out cookie-cutter hits designed to appeal to the masses, with just enough emotional depth to keep fans hooked. And then there’s her persona – the humble, girl-next-door act she puts on in interviews and on social media. Please. It’s all just smoke and mirrors, a carefully crafted image designed to keep fans buying into her brand.I know. My blood is boiling too. Just trust me. You want to read this book. She may seem like the real deal, but as we explore the Top 10 Reasons Why Taylor Really is The Worst, you will discover that she’s been fooling us all. Read more

An engaging introduction to the art of listening, starting with folk music familiar to all, and proceeding to the ways musical pieces are constructed from parts. Using a conversational style, the author draws out from the reader the points he wants to make, illustrating them with short musical pieces that appeal to a broad audience. Along the way he gives tips of what to listen for, strengthening his reader's listening skills by such games as 'Camouflaged Tunes.' In the course of the book, Scholes gives a brief history of classical music and introduces many of the noted composers, whetting appetite for further listening opportunities. Musical terms are introduced only as needed, with a full glossary at the end of the book of terms the student is likely to encounter. Read more

The American Book Award winner, now completely adapted for a young adult audience! From award-winning author Jeff Chang, Can't Stop Won't Stop is the story of hip-hop, a generation-defining movement and the music that transformed American politics and culture forever. Hip hop is one of the most dominant and influential cultures in America, giving new voice to the younger generation. It defines a generation's worldview. Exploring hip hop's beginnings up to the present day, Jeff Chang and Dave "Davey D" Cook provide a provocative look into the new world that the hip hop generation has created. Based on original interviews with DJs, b-boys, rappers, activists, and gang members, with unforgettable portraits of many of hip hop's forebears, founders, mavericks, and present day icons, this book chronicles the epic events, ideas and the music that marked the hip hop generation's rise. Read more

Before Springsteen and before Dylan, there was Woody Guthrie. With "This Machine Kills Fascists," scrawled across his guitar in big black letters, Woody Guthrie brilliantly captured in song the experience of twentieth-century America. Whether he sang about union organizers, migrant workers, or war, Woody took his inspiration from the plight of the people around him as well as from his own tragic childhood.From the late 1920s to the 1950s, Guthrie wrote the words to more than three thousand songs, including "This Land Is Your Land," a song many call America's unofficial national anthem. With a remarkable ability to turn any experience into a song almost instantaneously, Woody Guthrie spoke out for people of all colors and races, setting an example for generations of musicians to come. But Woody didn't have the chance to find everything he was looking for. He was ravaged by Huntington's disease, just like his mother, and died in a mental institution at the age of fifty-five.Award-winning author, Elizabeth Partridge has taken the life of this songwriting genius and woven in his lyrics, and other rich materials to create a touching and highly entertaining portrait of a true talent. Read more

It starts in the housing projects and school playgrounds of Liverpool, where four boys would discover themselves--and a new form of music called rock 'n roll. It takes us from the famous first meeting between John and Paul, to the clubs of Liverpool and Germany when George and Ringo join the band, down Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields, to America and the height of the Beatles' success--when they were still teenagers.In Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!, Spitz recreates the thrills, tears and magic of his New York Times bestselling adult biography, but in a style and format that's accesible for young readers. This book includes photos, sidebars and graphic elements. It's a book about teens who changed the world. Read more

The United States boasts a rich musical diversity. Colonial Americans integrated European traditions with new cultural influences to compose a unique musical identity. African traditions influenced hymns and folk songs that connected people to religion and to the trials and tribulations of everyday life. Patriotic tunes created unity in wartime. America’s jazz, blues, rock, and hip-hop continue to evolve from their African-American origins.Music: Investigate the Evolution of American Sound invites kids ages 12 and up to explore the roots of American music genres as they investigate the social, political, and religious influences that inspire musicians. Activities encourage readers to inquire into the art and science of music. Readers can engage in a hands-on exploration of the physics of sound vibrations, decibel levels, and acoustics, or use vocal styling to improvise and discover the rhythm of their bodies to create a beatbox. Music encourages readers to analyze lyrics, their meanings, and rhythms, and then use that analysis to write their own songs. This title meets common core state standards in language arts for reading informational text and literary nonfiction and is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. Guided Reading Levels and Lexile measurements indicate grade level and text complexity. Read more