The Jazz Man

Written by Mary Hays Weik · Illustrated by Ann Grifalconi

A boy's world transforms through music, but what happens when the melody fades?

3.3 Goodreads · 160 ratings

42 pages· 3,987 words· Est. 34 min read· 840L

$8.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Zeke, a nine-year-old with a lame leg, finds solace in the jazz melodies drifting from his neighbor's window in Harlem. As the music colors his drab world, Zeke escapes the harsh realities of his parents' struggles. But with the Jazz Man's presence uncertain, Zeke faces the possibility of losing the one thing that brings him joy. Will the music that lifts his spirit vanish, or can Zeke find a way to keep the dream alive?

From the publisher

When the Jazz Man played, Zeke thought about nothing else but the wonderful music that drifted from the bright yellow room scross the courtyard. He did not think about how his mother crept up and down five long flights of stairs every day to go to work. He did not think about the jobs he knew his father must work. He thought about just of the dreamy blues adding color to his drab world. How long will Zeke’s dreams last when the Jazz Man leaves?