Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photograph
What’s inside...
This book tells the captivating story of the making of a legendary photograph taken in 1958 by Art Kane. The photograph was a group portrait of 57 notable jazz musicians in front of a brownstone in Harlem, New York City. Esquire magazine planned an issue to salute the American jazz scene, and graphic designer Art Kane came up with the idea to gather these musicians for the photo. Despite not owning a good camera and not knowing if any musicians would show up, Kane successfully executed the shoot. The book consists of a collection of poems by Roxane Orgill that vividly bring to life the musicians' personalities, styles, and the vibrant atmosphere of Harlem. Accompanied by Francis Vallejo’s expressive paintings, the book also includes bios of several musicians, an author’s note, sources, a bibliography, and a foldout of the famous photograph.
Age
8-12
Length
66 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Art Kane
Discussion points
What feelings do you think the musicians were experiencing during the photo shoot?
How do you think music brings people together?
Why do you think it was important to capture this moment in a photograph?
How does the illustrator's choice of colors affect the mood of the story?
Which musician would you like to learn more about and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set the stage by listening to some of the jazz music from the era before reading the book together.
Discuss with your child the importance of community and teamwork, as shown by the musicians coming together.
Encourage your child to describe the emotions conveyed through the illustrations and text, helping them connect more deeply with the story.
After reading, consider researching more about the musicians featured in the book to deepen your child's understanding and interest in the genre.
Use the photographs and illustrations in the book to help your child make observations and draw connections to the story’s message.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Collaboration
Explanation: The book portrays how various musicians came together for the famous photograph, emphasizing teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply the importance of teamwork in group projects or sports, learning to collaborate effectively with others for a common goal.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Musicians often face challenges yet continue to pursue their passion, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to persevere in their endeavors, be it learning a new skill or overcoming personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Diversity
Explanation: The jazz musicians come from various backgrounds, showcasing a blend of cultures and influences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and value diverse cultures and perspectives, applicable in their interactions at school and within the community.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: The story provides a glimpse into the jazz era of the 1950s, enlightening children about historical contexts.
Real-World Application: Promotes an interest in history and encourages children to explore different historical periods and their significance.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The spontaneity in jazz music highlighted in the story reflects creativity and improvisation.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to express themselves creatively, be it through music, art, or creative writing.