Trombone Shorty  by Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews

1. Bibliography:

Andrews, Troy. 2015. Trombone Shorty. Ill. Bryan Collier. New York: Abrams. ISBN 9781419714658

2. Plot Summary:

Everyone has a story to tell how they got their nickname. Trombone Shorty takes you back to his neighborhood of Tremé located in New Orleans. He explains the events that led up to and past on how he received his nickname. Which instilled his passion for music. Music was a part of his life and those around him in all fashions.

3. Characters:

Troy’s character development came with his true love is music. He creates music from homemade items, junk, and real instruments. Not having a lot of money does not stop him from pursuing his dreams. With a little hard work and practice he shows that anyone can achieve their dreams.

4. Setting: Through the words and illustrations takes the reader to the setting of the streets in a neighborhood of Tremé, located in New Orleans, Louisiana. The streets depicts the diverse culture of a run down, poor neighborhood. The Mardi Gras parade lets the reader get a glimpse of the streets, and explain the folks forget about their money troubles with music. Going into Troy’s childhood home the reader gets the sense of rich music and gumbo being brought together by several ingredients, and types of music.

5. Illustrations:

The illustrations on each page are mixed with water colors, and collage. The water colors show a dynamic perspective of the people of this neighborhood. There is a balloon that symbolizes the growth and change of Troy’s life. The balloon gradually gets bigger as he becomes a successful adult. The lines of light that flow onto the pages highlight particular points, and moves the story along with bold water colors.

6. Theme: A positive theme of inspiration he receives from his family and the community. Trombone Shorty displays the musical culture of New Orleans with passion, and commitment when he is sent on stage to play with Bo Diddley.  

7. Cultural Markers:

The cultural markers are evident through several aspects of the point of view of Trombone Shorty. The author shows limited stereotype through a simple statement “Where Y’ At?” This means hello to a friend. The comparison of gumbo to music shows the variety of music to the ingredients mixed together. The authentic rich history of New Orleans music resonates through the book. Anytime of day music could be heard all over the neighborhood. Facts about his life are supported with Author’s notes and actual pictures taken of him when he was little and the trombone was twice the size of him. This autobiography is a glimpse of his young life and culture. Sources notes are the Author’s notes, and acknowledgements. These explains the black and white pictures of Troy when he was four years old with the trombone, or on stage with Bo Diddley. The minority character is shown as an equal, later on in life. Troy had to earn the respect of his elders with perseverance learning to play an instrument. The only slang statement “Where Y’at?” fits in and shows this diverse culture. This book shows the distinct characteristics to stand on its own and to be immersed into multicultural characteristics of New Orleans.

8. Connections Teacher and Library corner

Students will create their own musical instrument with household items, and some craft material. Once the musical instrument of their choice is constructed, they will conduct a scientific experiment. They will test different sound vibrations. Examining high to low pitch sounds with a laser pointer showing the sound movement. The laser moves when it interacts with the sound vibrations. This will provide a visual to help show the wave lengths of the sound energy.

9. You Tube connections

Official Book Trailer

10. Reviews Excerpts

"This well-told and exquisitely illustrated story of a musician with a steep career trajectory will inspire young readers to pursue their passions, despite the challenges." Kirkus Reviews

"If a fairy tale were set in New Orleans, this is how it would read." Publishers Weekly

"Sharp panels of color and image, perspective that dips and soars, and layers of mixed-media collage unite to feel like renditions of brass band music itself." Booklist

"Collier’s expressive watercolor collages layer and texture each page, creating a mix of images that echo the combination of styles Andrews uses to create his own “musical gumbo'...Read this one aloud to capture the sounds and sights of Trombone Shorty’s New Orleans." The Horn Book Magazine

"The storytelling is imbued with a touch of storybook glamour and generous humor...Collier’s vibrant mixed-media illustrations ably complement the text with a skillful melding of paint and photo collage that underscore the “gumbo” of street sounds and musical styles that influence Andrews’ works." The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

11. Children reviews

None at this time

12. Awards and Recognitions:

2016 Caldecott Honor Book

2016 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winner

13. Book suggestions:

Books by Troy Andrews

5 O’Clock Band by Troy Andrews ISBN: 9781419728365

Other Suggested Books:

When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop by Laban Carrick Hill ISBN: 9781596435407

14. Official Website:

Check out more on Trombone Shorty and his music at http://www.tromboneshorty.com/

15. Rating:

I give this book 5 stars. This book was a great way to engage and motivate student who love music. This book is heartwarming on never giving up on your dreams not matter what life throws at you.