This book is a non fiction story about a boy named Oscar Peterson. He grew up to be a famous jazz pianist but in the 1930's, Oscar was just a boy who loved the trumpet. This story was written from the perspective of his friend and next door neighbor. When Oscar was growing up he got TB and became very sick. This book would be fun if you were studying music in your classroom. I also think this book would be a good book to read and discuss friendship with your students.
Illustrations: Pencil Drawings
Age: 4th-6th ( )

Mildred is a young girl who is intrigued by Oscar, her neighbor and his music. Many of the other residents of the small Montreal town in 1930 do not completely agree with Mildred's outlook. Oscar and his family tend to play their music whenever they feel that they should, even late at night. A friendship buds between the two and one day is tested. Oscar soon is very sick and has to go to the hospital. Millie is worried about her friend who has tuberculosis, a disease she quite does not understand. Oscar is too sick for visitors to come visit him, so a card from Millie has to do. Oscar eventually gets better but when he comes home, he realizes that life is not the same anymore. He is not able to play his beloved trumpet anymore. Instead of letting her friend be defeated, Millie suggest him try a different instrument! He turns to the piano and finds that he can still do what he loves.
This book shows a different side of "disability." Many people would not associate TB with disabilities but after reading this book, you may have a different perspective. I think of disability as something that hinders you from completing a task or activity without you causing it. Oscar did not cause his illness but in the end, it kept him from being able to play his trumpet. This is a way that you can look at the word disability differently. I liked getting a different perspective that is different from the norm. ( )

Inspired by a story of the childhood of jazz pianist, Oscar Peterson, Farmer and Lafrance, invite readers into a small town in the 1930s where the quiet, darkened streets aren’t all that quiet when Oscar starts tooting his horn. While Mildred’s father complains about all the noise, Mildred loves the magic that Oscar creates with his music. That is, until Oscar comes down with tuberculosis. Millie cannot visit the hospital so she writes Oscar a note, but it would be a long time before Oscar was well enough to respond. When Oscar finally can come home, he’s devastated that he can no longer play his trumpet but soon discovers the piano. Capturing the rhythms of friendship, this tender story ends with Oscar and Mildred sharing daydreams of what they’ll become. An author’s note relays details of his Peterson’s life and legacy. ( )