history and criticism

Thirty-five musicians discuss what song changed their lives.

"A fascinating history of the art form that has transformed the cultural landscape, by one of its influential practitioners, an award-winning poet, professor, and slam champion. In 2009, when he was twenty years old, Joshua Bennett was invited to perform a spoken word poem for Barack and Michelle Obama, at the same White House 'Poetry Jam' where Lin Manuel-Miranda declaimed the opening bars of a work-in-progress that would soon revolutionize American theatre. That meeting is but one among many in the trajectory of Bennett's young life, as he rode the cresting wave of spoken word through the 2010s. In this book, he goes back to its roots, considering the Black Arts movement and the prominence of poetry and song in Black education; the origins of the famed Nuyorican Poets Cafe in the Lower East Side living room of the visionary Miguel Algar?n, who hosted verse gatherings with legendary figures like Ntozake Shange and Miguel Pi?ero; the rapid growth of the 'slam' format that was pioneered at the Get Me High Lounge in Chicago; the perfect storm of spoken word's rise during the explosion of social media; and Bennett's own journey alongside his older sister, whose work to promote the form helped shape spaces online and elsewhere dedicated to literature and the pursuit of human freedom. A celebration of voices outside the dominant cultural narrative, who boldly embraced an array of styles and forms and redefined what--and whom--the mainstream would include, Bennett's book illuminates the profound influence spoken word has had everywhere melodious words are heard, from Broadway to academia, from the podiums of political protest to cafes, schools, and rooms full of strangers all across the world"--Provided by the publisher.

"From essays about the Salem witch trials to literary uses of ghosts by Twain, Wharton, and Bierce to the cinematic blockbuster "The Sixth Sense", this book is the first to survey the importance of ghosts and hauntings in American culture across time. From the Puritans' conviction that a thousand preternatural beings appear every day before our eyes, to today's resurgence of spirits in fiction and film, the culture of the United States has been obsessed with ghosts. this book asserts that ghosts, whether in oral tradition, literature, or such modern forms as cinema have always been constructions embedded in specific historical ontexts and invoked for explicit purposes, often poitical in nature"--Adapted from publisher description.

Looks at the history of the American musical from the 1920s through the 1970s.

"This title focuses on the history of rock music and gives detailed information related to its origins and fun facts about superstars spanning from Elvis Presley to Greta Van Fleet"--Provided by publisher.

"This title focuses on the history of Latin music and gives detailed information related to its origins and fun facts about superstars spanning from Tito Puente to Shakira"--Provided by publisher.

"This title focuses on the history jazz music and gives detailed information related to its origins and fun facts about superstars spanning from Miles Davis to Wynton Marsalis"--Provided by publisher.

People have always wanted to know why certain things happen. Before science had developed, myths provided answers, comfort, and guidance. Diverse cultures around the world treasured their own myths, passing them down to new generations. Readers of this valuable book will love learning about different myths, perhaps recognizing familiar characters. They'll also discover the important role myths had in answering people's essential life questions. Stunning artwork accompanies the accessible at-level text.

Fairy tales are beloved stories for our youngest readers for a reason: they're magical. Often that magic is in a character, such as a fairy or witch. Sometimes it's just woven through the story, though. Even though some fairy tales are hundreds of years old, they continue to appeal to new generations. This fascinating look at fairy tales helps young readers recognize a common theme or purpose in fairy tales. It will also introduce them to famous fairy tale authors, such as Hans Christian Anderson. Accessible text and beautiful images make this high-interest topic an entertaining and educational experience.

The fables of Aesop are over 2,500 years old! Yet, we still recount them and ponder the lessons his animal characters deliver. Aesop isn't the only author of fables. Others have found fables to be an effective way to reflect on people's behaviors and suggest wiser ways of behaving. Readers of this beneficial and accessible book will learn more about this genre of literature and its writers. They'll examine the elements of fables and be invited to demonstrate their knowledge by writing their own.