An exuberant picture book about a Black boy with big dancing dreams who learns the meaning of courage and community.
It’s the weekend, first in June;
speaker’s blasting out big tune!
Cousins, aunties, uncles, friends,
pack the house and fun begins.
Shane is shy, but loves to dance—
and all year long, he’s picked up cans
to earn some money toward his goal:
high-tops with a pump-up sole.
But then the speaker blows—it’s done!
Will this stop his family’s fun?
Can Shane come through to save the day
and bring back Big Tune Saturday?
Set a vibrant Caribbean-American neighborhood and told to a rhythmic beat, Big Tune is a story of Black-boy joy that touches on determination, the confidence to express who you are, selflessness, and community gratitude.
Author’s note. Full-color illustrations.
Format
Page Count
Trim Size
Dewey
AR
Lexile
Genre
Scholastic Reading Counts
JLG Release
Book Genres
Topics
Standard MARC Records
Cover Art
School Library Journal
K-Gr 3-A celebration of Jamaican culture, from the drinks to the food and the dances. On the first weekend in June, Shane's family and friends gather for a party. Shane collects cans in exchange for money so he can save up for a new pair of sneakers, high tops with a pump-up sole. He's too shy to dance in front of others; when he's alone, he can dance and sing all night. Shane imagines the dance moves he'd do and how the crowd would cheer for him. When the speakers for the party break, everyone's sad the party is canceled. Luckily, Shane is there to save the day. The author's note provides additional context about the music and dances featured throughout. The up-tempo rhyme scheme of the lines resembles a song much like the ones Shane enjoys. The picture book stresses the importance of community and selflessness, essential lessons for a picture book audience. Distinctive and vibrant collage-style illustrations depict a Black community of various skin tones and hair textures. VERDICT This unique picture book's celebration of Jamaican culture and community is a great addition to every library.-Myiesha Speight?(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.