Big Tune: Rise of the Dancehall Prince
by
Alliah L. Agostini
illustrated by
Shamar Knight-Justice
Edition
Hardcover edition
Publisher
Macmillan
Imprint
Farrar, Straus & Giroux
ISBN
9780374389949
POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
None
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.
POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
None
Details
Format
Page Count
40
Trim Size
11" x 8 1/2"
Dewey
E
AR
0: points 0
Lexile
AD500L
Genre
Fic
Scholastic Reading Counts
0
JLG Release
May 2023
Book Genres
Picture Book
Topics
Stories in rhyme. Dance. Communities. Jamaican Americans.
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Cover Art
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Praise & Reviews
Praise & Reviews
School Library Journal
School Library Journal
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.
Grades 2-6
City Elementary
For Grades 2-6
Urban situations and plot lines featuring ethnically and culturally diverse characters give these books a unique city flavor and feel. Young urban readers will find familiar images, and readers who are not from the city will enjoy exploring life from a new perspective. The 12 books you'll receive in this category will ensure that urban adventures are available all year long.
12 books per Year
$254.88 per Year
Interests
Diversity,Fiction,Positive Messages
Grades 2-6
City Elementary
12 books per Year
$254.88 per Year
