Rent Party Jazz

Miller, William. 2001. Rent Party Jazz. Illustrated by Charlotte Riley-Webb. Lee & Low Books.

What an enjoyable book for introducing the concept of a rent party! This lovely picture book is set in New Orleans during the Depression. A young boy, Sonny, is trying to help his family out even though he's just a boy, a kid. When his mother loses her job, he's determined to help her out...and with a little help from a new acquaintance--a jazz musician named Smilin' Jack, he may just be the one to save the day and enable his family to be able to pay the rent on time. I love the message of hope and community.

I loved the bright and bold illustrations by Charlotte Riley-Webb.

© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews