The Music in George's Head: George Gershwin Creates Rhapsody in Blue Hardcover – Illustrated, September 13, 2016

This is a well-written, beautifully-illustrated tale of George Gershwin's journey to the composition of his famous "Rhapsody in Blue". Everything in the story is historically accurate. The author even cites her references in the back of the book, along with providing a timeline of Gershwin's life. My third grader loves this book and has read it many times. Great book for a child that loves music... play the "Rhapsody" as you read along!

My five year old and I loved looking at the artwork in the book and reading the story together. We learned so much!

I love the Gershwin brother so much I named two of my pets, "George" and "Ira." I loved this biography not only because of the solid facts and history but also because of the creative way the story is told and illustrated. I'm a middle school librarian who is making sure this book comes with me this coming school year.

Wonderfully written - and wondrously illustrated - book that transmits the meaning and import of George Gershwin's music (for children). However, I am a long ago grown-up person who is enthralled and transported by this artistically rendered story.

What a neat book for adults and kids alike about the talent and gift of Gershwin. Neat illustrations as well!

My students loved this story. A must for all who love the music.

My grandson loved this book!!

Delightful book. Love the paintings, typography, and stories. Great book to introduce children not only to music, but both Gershwins. Not much written about Ira, which is a disgraceful shame. The author dismisses Ira early on because he had no interest in playing the piano. Plus so much written about George's accomplishments, but not Ira???That's a silly regretful slight to Ira's great songwriting skills and legacy. Let's hear it for the folks who write the words. Without those words, what would we sing? PLUS the fact they collaborated on great hits, but their relationship was kinda barely mentioned.Ha ha, as I'm typing this, I'm listening to Swanee!! I bought Rhino's Al Jolson CD, started playing it awhile ago in my iTunes, and here it is. Nothing about Jolson whistling during the song (one of his trademarks, see "The Jolson Story" for more.) Nothing about the fact this song is not what one would expect from a couple of NY Jews. (3 if you count Jolie).No mention if any of them were listening to Bessie Smith. She's illustrated. Duke Ellington was born in 1899, started playing in the early 1920s. But "Swanee" is a 1919 song. Was George clued in that early to the very early Ellington? If you are gonna illustrate an Orthodox Jew playing a woodwind (I don't know anything about orchestral instruments, so it could be an oboe, I dunno?), how about mentioning the FACT it's an Orthodox Jew? Too little is mentioned about them all being Jewish.Being Jewish IS HUGE because their exposure to Jewish and Yiddish music greatly influenced the early Jewish modern composers for orchestra and Broadway. PBS did a cool program about that. I only saw Mandy Patinkin say the music of the cantors (during Jewish religious gatherings) has so much in common with Broadway. Plus the FACT most early Broadway and Tin Pan Alley were Jewish. Not all, but most.IF you really wanna understand and appreciate music, knowing where ppl came from is vital. IF we are ever to learn to get along, let's give credit to ppl so they become PEOPLE. Separating creatives, esp composers, from their cultural and religious upbringing is doing a great disservice to all.Children learn prejudices early on. Let's teach ppl Jews or Muslims or Catholics or whomever often incorporate what they hear into their music. THAT is the pt of the book, right??Lower eastside NY was known for its immigrant mostly Russian and German Jews at that time. Oy. Let's talk about that!! Just a word or line here or there.YES, buy the book cos it's beautiful, but can we PLS be more descriptive and offer a bit of info? Maybe I expect too much ... enjoy the book.