Common Sense Media Review
By Mandie Caroll
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gorgeous story of a boy's excellence and the power of music.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In DOUBLE BASS BLUES, Nic shines as young musician with visible talent: eyes closed, head leaned into the neck of his double bass, slight smile on his lips as he plays. After his fellow orchestra members congratulate him for an "epic solo" during practice, he heads off, massive bass bag slung over his shoulder, for a long commute from his suburban school into the city. A threatening dog, bullies, plunking rain, whooshing windshield wipers, and other sounds and stressors might be enough to ruin any other kid's glow, but not for Nic. They all get channeled into his art at his final destination, where he finds refuge in family, and, again, music.
Is It Any Good?
This powerful book beautifully honors determination, making music, and Black boyhood. Nic's journey in Double Bass Blues is thrilling to watch unfold. As he walks, buses, and walks again to get into the city, Nic gracefully shrugs off bullies, keeps the sounds of the rain and windshield wipers in his head, and walks up stairway after stairway with that heavy bass. His arrival in the arms of his granddaddy is a long sigh of relief, and the realization that Nic is not the first musician in his bloodline to a refuge built of family, music and love.
With only about 30 words and 13 lines of dialogue, Rudy Gutierrez's stunning art does a lot of the story's heavy lifting. His swooping curved lines and sharp jagged edges evoke the different moods of Nic's journey. And the way Nic's face and hair coloring changes slightly from spread to spread captures the beauty of Blackness. This book is bursting with music, dedication, the importance of family, and Black excellence. Young readers will be able to connect on one or more levels, but this wonderful boy with his beloved bass is bound to steal the hearts of all. Don't miss this book; it's a keeper.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what music means to Nic in Double Bass Blues. How do we know how Nic feels about playing his double bass? How does Nic use different elements of his journey to the city in the music he plays for his granddaddy? In what ways can you use music or art to handle big emotions?
What do you do that helps you get through a hard day or a problem?
How do the pictures tell the story? Do you think the illustrations or the words are more important in this book? Why?
Book Details
- Author: Andrea J. Loney
- Illustrator: Rudy Guiterrez
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Arts and Dance , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: October 22, 2019
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, Kindle
- Awards: ALA Best and Notable Books , Caldecott Medal and Honors
- Last updated: February 5, 2020
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
What to Read Next
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate