Nonfiction Literature Response

Book: Dizzy

Author: Jonah Winter

Summary:

The book is about a young man, Dizzy, who is an incredible trumpet player. In a time where jazz was popular Dizzy decided to leave home and head for the big city, New York, to play jazz. Dizzy is a determined character with a great amount of creativity within him. I find the character extremely brave because he was able to leave home to pursue his dreams. I think the author created a strong character with Dizzy because she had him use music to let go of his anger and frustration, when he began to play he gave up fighting and holding onto all the negative things inside of him. The story completely changes around in the best way when Dizzy's teacher gives him the trumpet. Although Dizzy's father still beat him, Dizzy stopped fighting.

Connections:

I felt a connection with the character when he was dealing with his anger because everyone in life has been angry and held onto it at least once. I have only ever been able to let go of my anger when I find peace within something else; and for the character in the story the trumpet was his something else. I feel the author was trying to teach me about Dizzy during these parts of the story but also teach me not to hold onto anger and to find a passion.

Creates Mind Pictures/ Visualizes

I like the unique style in which the book is written. For me this created a more artistic tone throughout the story, which I thought mixed well with Dizzy. The illustrations and the text together was even better, I feel they completely built the mood of the time period in which the story was set. I feel the illustrations and the way the text is laid out on the page, creates a feel for the time period, and for the music which Dizzy one day creates BEBOP. The description of jazz was another great aspect of the story. The way the author describes the music makes it come alive!

Opinions:

I like how the story talks about the hard truth of how Dizzy's dad beat on him and there was nothing Dizzy could do at the time. (Although I would teach my students that there is always something they could do). Dizzy's father beating him gives some more insight as to why he fought before he had the trumpet. When Dizzy stops fighting once he finds music I love this part of the story because it allows students to know that fighting is not the answer and they do not always need to fight.

Theme/Main Idea:

The story really taught me to always follow my dreams and do not ever be afraid to be creative. Dizzy's creativity paved ways for a new style of music. The explanation of how Dizzy got his name in Philly was another great mark in the story.

Overall Feelings towards the Book:

Overall I felt a connection with the character because of his bravery and everything that he overcame. The mood of the book was uplifting and relative; something I plan to share with my future students. I enjoyed reading the book, and felt victorious for the character and the end of the story.