Song in a Rainstorm

December 1, 2020
Preschool-Grade 3 Born into an enslaved family in Georgia in 1849, Tom Wiggins was blind. Though late in talking, he could mimic animal sounds and memorize song lyrics at age four. Slaveholder General Bethune took an interest in him, evidently as a potential source of revenue. Living in the "Big House" with the Bethune family, Tom had tutors and his own piano. He played it constantly and composed music too. At six, he began performing professionally. Five years later, he became the first Black musician to play at the White House. The story concludes with his triumphant European tour, featuring difficult classical pieces as well as popular songs. Armand's involving narrative reads aloud well, and Jackson's nicely composed illustrations express the warmth of the writing while portraying people, events, and historical settings effectively. While the appended author's note suggests that today Tom might be called "an autistic musical savant" and details how his talent was exploited by Bethune even after the Civil War, this picture book focuses on Wiggins' life and his accomplishments as a remarkable musical prodigy.

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January 1, 2021
Born blind and enslaved in 1849 Georgia, pianist Tom Wiggins's musical genius ultimately saved him from being considered "a defective piece of property." His master -- seeing "a business opportunity" -- nurtured and celebrated the young slave's talents. Wiggins appears carefree in Jackson's cartoon illustrations; Armand's straightforward narrative doesn't gloss over Wiggins's and his family's exploitation by his master/manager. An author's note offers more biographical details. A select list of sources is appended.

(Copyright 2021 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)