"Soon he met other kids who could hear the
music, too. Together they made a band: Grand
Central. The band practiced in Andre's basement.
Andre was a great friend.
His mom, Ms. Bernadette, was a good friend, too.
She let the boy stay there.
On warm, welcoming pillows, her house became
his home."
For music lovers, especially those who have admiration for Prince, this book gives a clear look at his life growing up in the neighborhood called Northside in Minneapolis. The author was a neighbor in their childhood and she pays tribute to a man through feelings rather than facts.
Her poetic words describe a quiet and lonely child whose childhood was unsettled. Hunger and the lack of a real home followed him from place to place, belonging everywhere but nowhere. The gift of a guitar offered the solace found in music: the radio and records helping him learn how to play. He met others who were as passionate about music, and together they formed a band.
"Eyes closed, guitar in hand,
surrounded by rhythm, by blues, by the band,
the boy began to play what he'd been hiding deep in his pockets.
Tender shoots of seed and sound broke ground."
It was the beginning, and it spoke to his many feelings growing inside until this time. He released it all to the world, aware that Prince would be known far and wide. And, he would be proud of all he accomplished. The world would see the shy, small boy giving his gift to the world.
Ms. Alcantara enhances each spread with purple washes to offer scenes of a small boy as he grows up to become the artist readers will recognize. The poignant images of his love for learning the music that came from his soul are especially telling. An author's note includes further information to help readers understand his life and legacy. A family playlist concludes.
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