Notable Children's Book, Association for Library Service to Children
(ALSC)
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, National Council
for the Social Studies/ Children's Book Council
An African American boy living in New Orleans in the 1930s raises
money to pay the rent with the help of a popular jazz musician.
In New Orleans in the 1930s, young Sonny Comeaux has to work before
school to help his mother make ends meet. When Mama loses her job, Sonny
is worried. Rent day is coming soon, and if they miss paying by just one
day, the landlord will put them out on the street and sell off their
belongings.
Sonny wanders sadly through Jackson Square after school one day. His
attention is caught by Smilin' Jack, a popular jazz musician. Sonny
returns day after day, and soon finds himself explaining his problem to
Smilin' Jack. What Smilin' Jack offers Sonny then-how to raise money for
the rent while having the world's best party-changes both their lives
forever.
Award-winning author William Miller tells his most affecting story yet,
accompanied by Charlotte Riley-Webb's brilliantly-colored paintings that
perfectly capture the lively rhythms of New Orleans jazz. This is a
powerful story of family, friendship, and people coming together to help
others in a time of need.