Libba: The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten
What’s inside...
Libba: The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten tells the story of Elizabeth Cotten, a self-taught left-handed guitarist who overcame numerous challenges to become one of the most celebrated American folk musicians. From flipping her brother's guitar upside down to play it, to writing the famous folk song 'Freight Train' at age eleven, Cotten's life and music left a lasting impact from California to England. This beautifully illustrated picture book by Laura Veirs and Tatyana Fazlalizadeh captures the spirit of a determined and gifted musician.
Age
5-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Elizabeth 'Libba' Cotten
Discussion points
What challenges did Elizabeth Cotten face and how did she overcome them?
Why do you think music was so important to Libba?
How did Libba's determination help her achieve her dreams?
What can we learn from Libba’s story about following our passions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the perseverance Elizabeth Cotten showed in her life, discussing with your child how they can apply similar persistence in their pursuits.
Discuss the impact of music and creativity, asking your child about their own creative interests and how they can explore them further.
Encourage your child to think about long-term goals, inspired by Libba's story, and map out small steps they can take to achieve their dreams.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: The story of Elizabeth Cotten showcases her lifelong passion for music and how, despite starting her music career later in life, she achieved great success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence and hard work, understanding that it's never too late to pursue their dreams and that dedication can lead to great achievements.
Example Lesson: Self-belief is crucial
Explanation: Elizabeth believed in her unique style of playing the guitar, even when it was unconventional. Her self-belief led her to create the famous song 'Freight Train'.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to have confidence in their unique abilities and perspectives, fostering self-esteem and encouraging them to express themselves creatively.
Example Lesson: Importance of cultural heritage
Explanation: Elizabeth Cotten's music was deeply rooted in her cultural background, which influenced her musical style and storytelling through songs.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore and appreciate their own cultural backgrounds and those of others, promoting diversity and understanding.
Example Lesson: Lifelong learning
Explanation: Even in her old age, Elizabeth continued to play, perform, and impact the music industry, showing that learning and growth can happen at any age.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that learning is a continuous process and encourages them to remain curious and engaged in learning throughout their lives.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Elizabeth faced many challenges, including racial and gender barriers in the music industry, but she continued to pursue her passion for music.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of resilience and the ability to overcome difficulties in pursuit of their goals, helping them to develop coping strategies and determination.