This book gets 2 thumbs way up from me! Biographical in nature with beautiful images this book is about the original ladies of Jazz and their contribution to this genre of music and its influence on music thereafter. Not only is it full of things i never knew about some of my favorite artists but it also introduced me to some new ones and also serves as a great resource for empowering young women and students of color. These women lived colorful and sometimes arduous lives that are awe inspiring mush like the unique sound they created. The book starts with the beginnings of Female jazz vocalists from the early 20th century and moves through to present day lady jazz crooners. I found it quite candid and revealing the book doesn't shy away from the truth about these women or sugar coat things for a younger audience. While I really enjoyed this work it is an acquired taste for students as jazz and its standards aren't as popular among young people as it once was. Non the less students in jazz band, choir, or theater are likely to really "dig" this book. Historical biographical non-fiction can be a tough sell to young adult readers, but when it is specialized in an area of interest or an area that might not be so familiar it can be quite a rewarding read. I found it inspiring, indepth and impressive.
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