Django
on Goodreads (184)
What’s inside...
Describes the life and career of Django Reinhardt, who overcame a childhood in poverty and debilitating injuries to become a famed jazz guitarist. Born into a travelling gypsy family, young Django Reinhardt taught himself guitar at an early age. He was soon acclaimed as the 'Gypsy Genius' and 'Prodigy Boy,' but one day his world changed completely when a fire claimed the use of his fretting hand. Folks said Django would never play again, but with passion and perseverance he was soon setting the world's concert stages ablaze. Bonnie Christensen's gorgeous oil paintings and jazzy, syncopated text perfectly depict the man and his music.
Age
5-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Django Reinhardt
Discussion points
How do you think Django felt when he first discovered his love for music?
What challenges did Django face, and how did he overcome them?
What does Django's dedication to music teach us about persistence and passion?
How do his friendships and relationships influence his musical journey?
Can you think of a time when you worked hard to achieve something you loved, like Django?
Tip: Role play these questions
Identify emotions displayed in the book and ask your child how they might feel in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of overcoming obstacles and how persistence can lead to achieving goals, drawing parallels to real-life scenarios.
Encourage your child to relate Django’s musical journey to any of their interests or hobbies, fostering a deeper personal connection with the story.
Highlight the cultural aspects of the story, discussing the influence of Django's heritage on his music and life.
Use Django’s story as a springboard to explore a little history about jazz music, enhancing educational value.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance through adversity
Explanation: The story of Django Reinhardt focuses on his journey of becoming a legendary jazz musician despite his debilitating injury. Django faces significant challenges but consistently strives to overcome them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of determination and persistence in the face of difficulties, whether it is dealing with school challenges or personal setbacks.
Example Lesson: Innovation and creativity
Explanation: After his injury, Django reinvents his guitar playing style to adapt to his limited hand mobility. His creative approach to music allows him to express himself despite his physical limitations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively in problem-solving and to adapt innovatively to their own limitations or challenges.
Example Lesson: Passion for one's interests
Explanation: Django's deep love for music drives him to continue playing and performing, despite the initial despair his accident caused him.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to pursue what they are passionate about and learn that dedication to what they love is rewarding.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout his challenges, Django experiences both support and skepticism from those around him, teaching about the dynamics of human relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be supportive of others who are facing challenges and understand that everyone has unique struggles and strengths.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of setbacks
Explanation: Django's journey showcases his ability to bounce back and find new paths to success, adjusting his dreams in alignment with his reality.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn the importance of adapting and finding new ways to achieve their goals when the initial plan does not work out.