Caldecott Honor Award Winner
“Simple language complements complex paintings to create the perfect literary melody.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
“A harmony of sound and emotion through a child’s journey, his family’s warmth, and music’s restorative powers.” –Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“A book about a lot of things—music, and determination, and straddling worlds, and the celebration of Black boyhood and family—that nevertheless feels cohesive and effortless.” –Horn Book, Starred Review
“Acrylic paintings in rich colors exude movement and energy…. Readers will understand that Nic’s talent brings him great joy.” —Booklist
“Multiple layers will invite a second viewing as viewers look beyond the light-touched close-ups of Nic’s face to the outlined figures of busy travelers and whorls of music where each note head carries an expression in this visually emotive story.” —Bulletin
“Colorful, full of movement, limited in text but loaded with emotion, this is an ode to the diversity of music and the determination of a talented kid.” —School Library Journal
