A swinging bio of young Ella Fitzgerald, who pushed through the toughest of times to become one of America’s most beloved jazz singers.

When Ella Fitzgerald danced the Lindy Hop on the streets of 1930s Yonkers, passersby said good-bye to their loose change. But for a girl who was orphaned and hungry, with raggedy clothes and often no place to spend the night, small change was not enough. One amateur night at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, Ella made a discovery: the dancing beat in her feet could travel up and out of her mouth in a powerful song — and the feeling of being listened to was like a salve to her heart. With lively prose, Roxane Orgill follows the gutsy Ella from school-girl days to a featured spot with Chick Webb’s band and all the way to her number-one radio hit "A-Tisket, A-Tasket." Jazzy mixed-media art by illustrator Sean Qualls brings the singer’s indomitable spirit to life.
Back matter includes resources for further information, and an index.

“Informative, with spry visuals...A class act.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

In this fascinating story of child stars who dance their way to knockout success on Broadway and beyond, Roxane Orgill and Stéphane Jorisch team up for a bravura performance, capturing the sophistication, fluidity, and grace of two of the biggest names in dance history, Fred and Adele Astaire.
Back matter includes an author’s note, suggestions for further reading, suggested resources, and an index.

“Crackles with tension and verve. . . . An unforgettable portrait of an artist whose faith in herself carried her when little else did.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

With lively prose, Roxane Orgill follows the gutsy Ella Fitzgerald from her schoolgirl days, orphaned and hungry, dancing and singing for loose change, to amateur night at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, all the way to her number-one radio hit “A-Tisket, A-Tasket.” Jazzy mixed-media art by illustrator Sean Qualls brings the singer’s indomitable spirit to life.
Back matter includes resources for further information, and an index.