Sing to the Stars
An idealized African American urban community is at the heart of first-time author Barrett's story about a young violin student and an elderly blind man attuned to the rhythms surrounding him. Listening to footsteps, Mr. Washington can recognize not only Ephram, but Ephram's mood as well: "Boy, I can tell when . . . you're full up pitiful with yourself!" he says one day. "But most times you walk with the song of life in your step." Mr. Washington urges Ephram to take part in an open-air neighborhood concert to be held, conveniently, the very next night. Despite his nervousness, the boy decides to participate after his grandmother tells him that Mr. Washington had been a professional musician until he'd lost his sight. When a brownout plunges the concert-goers into darkness, Ephram seizes the moment to lead Mr. Washington out of his decades-long retirement and onto the stage, where their music "sings to the stars." Soft-edged pastels nurture the message of cooperation; their dreaminess helps bridge the credibility gaps in the story. Ages 5-8.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.