An illustrated read-aloud biography for ages 3–5 about Louis Armstrong finding his sound through work, singing, teachers, jazz bands, records, and his own voice against unfairness.
Read first 4 pagesThe opening of Louis Armstrong: A New Sound, free to read.
On a New Orleans street, a boy named Louis Armstrong rode on a wagon selling coal, a black rock used for heat. To call people over, he blew a little tin horn. Louis was working to help his family.
At home, Louis lived with his mother, grandmother, and sister. They did not have much money. In New Orleans, unfair rules kept Black people and white people apart. On streetcars, Black people had to sit in separate seats.
Music sounded all around young Louis. Brass bands marched in parades. Louis sang at church. He also sang with other boys on street corners. People walking by gave the group coins. Making music together earned Louis a little money.
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