About the Book

The childhood of Louis Armstrong was as fascinating as the great musician himself—and this chapter book biography tells it like never before. Play, Louis, Play! is written from the point of view of Louis's closest companion throughout his youth—his horn! In a jazz-inflected, exuberant voice, this unusual narrator tells it all, starting with the small New Orleans pawn shop where little Louis bought his first trumpet for five hard-earned dollars.

As Louis goes from a street quartet to the marching band of the Colored Waif's Home to the big sounds of New Orleans jazz clubs, author Muriel Harris Weinstein creates a moving portrait of the jazz legend. Includes a detailed author's note, glossary of jazz terms, and bibliography.