Ella Fitzgerald

February 1, 2008
Gr 7 Up-This biography of the legendary jazz singer (19171996) does an excellent job of introducing her musical legacy to young adults. It focuses on her work, but offers insights as well into her personal life. Clearly written and well organized, the book describes her difficult and troubled childhood. Fitzgerald was shy, no great beauty, overweight, and black. Her musical skills, hard work, the support of key figures in her life, and a bit of luck brought her enormous professional and financial success. Stone gives readers a great appreciation of a rare talent, of a singer who could do things with a melody that few others could do, and they will come to share the writer's obvious love of her subject. A must-buy for teens who are familiar with Fitzgerald's music as well as for those who are not."Carol Jones Collins, Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2008
Ella Fitzgerald was a private soul, protective of the details that made up her life, writes Stone in this strong biography in the Up Close series. Unlike manybooks that perpetuate some of Fitzgeralds own myths about her life, Stones smooth, straightforward narrative draws from authoritative sources and reveals a workhorse artist who devoted herself to developing and sharing her gift with the world. Personal details, particularly aboutFitzgeraldsyouth, support each chapter, butStones clear emphasis is onthe singersextraordinary career. The few black-and-white photos are of average quality, but the abundant quotes from Fitzgerald and her musician peers greatly develop the narrative. The author has studied voice, and her brief asides about music, such as what it means for a singers voice to mature, are illuminating, while references to the racism Fitzgerald encountered, particularly while touring the South, deepen the profile. Source notes for direct quotes and an extensive bibliography complete this inspiring portrait.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2008
These well-written, carefully researched biographies aren't mired in adulation. Meltzer details Steinbeck's self-doubt, messy relationships, and alcoholic bouts as he traces the novelist's rise from college dropout to Nobel Laureate. Stone notes some of the inaccuracies in other Fitzgerald biographies as she follows the jazz singer (and would-be dancer!) from the streets of Harlem to concert halls worldwide. Bib., ind.

(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)