Description
A Life of Song: The Story of Ella Jenkins chronicles the extraordinary journey of the "First Lady of Children's Music". While widely recognized for her appearances on Sesame Street and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, this biography reveals how Jenkins' groundbreaking career was deeply rooted in the civil rights movement and the fight for equality.
Features
- Awards: 2025 CBC Librarian Favorites Winner.
- The Story: Follows Ella from her childhood in a segregated Chicago—influenced by jazz legends like Cab Calloway—to her pioneering cross-country tours.
- Global Influence: Highlights how she introduced global sounds and stories to classrooms, using music as a bridge to unite people during times of intense division.
- Themes: Explores the intersections of music, history, and social justice, showing how Jenkins used her platform to fearlessly fight racism.
- Interactive Call to Action: The book concludes by asking readers of all ages the empowering question: "Will YOU sing a song together?".
- Format: A beautifully illustrated biographical picture book suitable for homes, schools, and music rooms.
- Maintenance: To protect this award-winning biography, store it in a dry area and wipe the cover with a clean, dry cloth as needed.
Why We Love It
We love this book because it gives a legendary figure the historical depth she deserves. It reframes children's music not just as entertainment, but as a purposeful tool for social change and community building. By showcasing how Ella Jenkins crossed boundaries and defied segregation through song, it inspires a new generation to find their own voices and use them for the common good.
