About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is bitten by the performing arts bug or expresses curiosity about how big things, like a city district or a musical genre, are built from the ground up. This engaging history goes beyond the stage lights to explore the grit and creativity required to turn a New York City street into the theater capital of the world. It frames Broadway not just as a place, but as a testament to human perseverance and the power of storytelling. Ideal for ages 8 to 12, the narrative balances historical facts with the inspiring personal stories of legends like Rodgers and Hammerstein and Lin-Manuel Miranda. It addresses the evolution of entertainment while touching on themes of resilience and creative pride. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's artistic interests while providing a solid educational foundation in American social history and the performing arts.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is secular and direct. It briefly touches on historical social issues, such as the exclusion of certain performers and the evolution of social norms over the decades, but the focus remains on the artistic and commercial growth of the industry. The resolution is hopeful, celebrating the enduring nature of live performance.
