A Horn for Louis is a chapter book biography (of sorts) about Louis Armstrong. The story is one of how a young boy living in poverty in New Orleans got his first horn. It's reader-friendly, and the illustrations by James Bernardin make it appealing. (Did I ever tell you about my criteria for choosing a book to do a book report? This is when I was eight. Large print, pictures, and short.) All that being said, I found this one to be a bit lacking. Perhaps if I hadn't just read another biography of More...

Even if it fictionalizes minor details, this beautifully crafted chapter book for the beginning reader just happens to capture one of the great forgotten moments in American cultural history. Kimmel is a master storyteller who treats minorities with sensitivity, respect, and a generous helping of humor.