Will appeal to parents and grandparents who grew up with the music of Duke Ellington
There is a resurgence in interest in jazz among middle-schoolers and pre-teens. This book shows the lifestyle, music, and colorful personalities of Duke and his musicians through the eyes of a 9-year-old.
This is a book about real black people, not stereotypes.
Educational value: teaches about jazz and Ellington, but also, gently, teaches about racism.