![]() ![]() ![]() Despite his lack of athletic ability, Sammy wants desperately to be a great boxer, like his hero, getting boxing lessons from his friend Ernie in exchange for help with schoolwork. One of the watershed moments in African-American history-the defeat of James Braddock at the hands of Joe Louis-is here given an earnest picture-book treatment. Diaz’s use of rich bold colors of purples, pinks, and leafy greens in strikingly patterned illustrations is spirited and beautiful, but is not enough to redeem the lackluster text. But Thomas’s telling, despite moments of soulful jive, mostly clumps along without charm. The ending is predictable and follows the basic folkloric story structure. Then they learn that Queen Mother Rhythm is about to retire and she needs someone to take her place as lead singer. Rescued by “Crooked Foster Mother” (a poor choice of names), she lives the typical Cinderella life with the mean twin sisters, Hennie and Minnie, and their mother. Queen Mother Rhythm loses her infant daughter during a hurricane. Set in a southern swamp, the story revolves around the competition for a place in a gospel choir rather than marriage to a prince. Those who love reading tales with Cinderella motifs will no doubt want to have this one, however disappointing it might be. ![]()
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