By Michelle Blaylock and Patricia Poe

Title: “Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales: The Underground Abductor” 

Author: Nathan Hale 

Reading level: Middle school (with parents’ discretion)  

This is graphic novel that is a very straightforward examination of slavery and of Araminta Ross’ life. It depicts the horror of growing up as a child slave and the cruel abuse Araminta suffered.  

This book illustrates Araminta’s perseverance and her escape to freedom; however, her story does not end there.   

Araminta begins a new chapter of her life as Harriet Tubman and never gives up helping other slaves escape to freedom.   

Title: “Trombone Shorty” 

Author: Troy Andrews 

Illustrator: Bryan Collier 

Reading level:  4.2 

This is an illustrated autobiography of Troy Andrews, Grammy award–winning musician.   

“Trombone Shorty,” became Troy Andrews nickname because his trombone was bigger than he was when he first began his career.  

He tells of his dream to play music even though his family did not have money. He finds an old, beat–up trombone and manages to get it to once again make music.   

His real break came when, still a child, he was playing along with a band during a street concert. Bo Diddley called out, “Who’s that playing out there?” Trombone Shorty has been on stage ever since!   

The illustrations in this book are vibrant and visually tell the story as much as the words. 

Hope to see you soon at the library!