Music cover

Music

by Donna Latham

Kids ages 12 and up are invited to explore the roots of American music genres with this book as they investigate the social, political, and religious influences that have inspired and continue to inspire musicians. Activities and projects take it a step further engaging kids in hands-on explorations of the physics of sound vibrations, decibel levels, and acoustics. They can kick up their heels to the sound of the Charleston to explore torque or build their own djembe, fife, and bugle. Kids can also learn how to use vocal styling to improvise and use the rhythm of their bodies to create a beatbox. Encouraging readers to analyze lyrics' meanings and rhythms, the book also demonstrates how to use that analysis to write their own songs. From early Americans weaving in European traditions to African traditions influencing hymns and fold songs, the history of music in the United States is brought to life through projects and inquiry-based investigations.

Chappie’s discussion starters

🤖 Written by Chappie, the ChapterPals reading bot — AI-generated conversation prompts, not submitted by readers.

  1. Which character stayed with you after you turned the last page, and why?
  2. Was there a moment where you disagreed with a character’s choice? What would you have done?
  3. What theme did this book keep circling back to — and did it earn its ending?
  4. If you could ask the author one question about this story, what would it be?
  5. Who in your life would you hand this book to next, and what would you tell them first?