The+Arts

Angel, Ann //Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing//. Amulet Books, 2010. The book is a biography about the struggles and successes of Janis Joplin over the course of her career. It paints a picture into the hardship and hard work that an individual must go through in order to make their mark on the music industry. The reading level is ages 14 and up. The book received the 2011 YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction. - (SW)

Freedman, Russell //Martha Graham: A Dancer's Life//. Clarion Books, 1998. The book follows the life of American dancer and choreographer Martha Graham. It is especially appealing to anyone interested in dance or the history of American artists. The reading level is ages 10 and up. - (SW)

Patridge, Elizabeth //John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth//. Viking Juvenile, 2005. The book is a biography about singer/song writer John Lennon's life from birth through his years of fame. The reading level is grades 9 and up. - (SW)

Stanley, Diane //Michelangelo//. Harper Collins,2000 The book is about the life and masterpieces of artist Michelangelo. The reading level is ages 9-12. The book was an Orbis Pictus Honor book in 2001. - (SW)

VanHecke, Susan //Raggin'Jazzin'Rockin': A History of American Musical Instrument Makers.// Boyds Mills Press, 2011. The book is about the creators of eight musical instruments and how their inventions impacted musicians throughout history. The reading level is ages 11 and up. The book was a 2012 nominee for the YALSA Nonfiction Award, the Children's Choice Award (Allegheny County Library Association), Cybil Award and an American Library Association Notable Children's Book. It was also the 2012 Librarians' Choice Award winner (Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas). - (SW)