I See the Rhythm is a book about the different types of African Americans that have help in the world of music. This book gives many different facts about jazz and many different types of music genre. This book could be used in a classroom to tell about the different types of music and the people who helped create those genres.

Possibly the coolest little free library find I've come across!

There are so many layers to this book: Michele Wood's beautiful paintings, which she created after conducting interviews and while listening to the music of each era; Toyomi Igus's ekphrastic poems inspired by those paintings, which describe the emotional origins and intents of each style and sprinkle in the names of major contributors; summaries of each type of music that occasionally point out features in the paintings and cite any lyrics quoted in the poems so that a reader could go look up the songs; timelines running across each page highlighting key moments in African American history and music, not giving up the former to focus comfortably (for a white audience) on the latter; and an interactive element in Wood's hidden self-portrait on every page.

It sounds like a lot, but the page layout is never overwhelming: pictures take up one full page, while the text of the poetry on the opposite page is large enough to clearly show that it's the main feature. The text is laid out in a variety of font types and sizes, even directions, but all are clear and easy to read and follow from one line to the text. The summaries are tucked up top just across the gutter from the paintings, while the timeline runs along the bottom of the page, both in small but clear font that doesn't distract from the poetry.

Beautiful, informative, fun to read...is there anything this book isn't? And kids could grow into it, focusing on the poetry and pictures until they're old enough to be interested in the timelines. ( )

I See The Rhythm by Toyomi Igus won the Coretta Scott King award. The book is about the African-American contribution to music throughout the centuries. It gave an interesting historical perspective. I liked how the author included a timeline of historical events that went on when each form of music was introduced. ( )

This book tells the history of African American music alongside African American history through paintings, a historical timeline, and poems. It's a powerful informational text that shows the hope found in making music even in the midst of suffering.Wood ( )

This book tells the history of African Americans through the different types of music they created. Each set of pages is dedicated to a time period and the type of music popular at the time. Music has always been an important part of African American history, using it to express themselves and tell stories. The words themselves, are sensationally descriptive and paint an image in one's mind while reading. However, the illustrations help the reader to visualize African American art, culture, and life style. The illustrations are creative and lively, helping bring the poetry to life. ( )