Jazz by Walter Dean Myers, illustrated by Christopher Myers (Holiday House, 2006) These poems capture the rhythm, the history, and the heart of jazz. The illustrations capture the angles, light, and shadows of jazz musicians playing in many venues. Readers can use the introduction and glossary of terms in their inquiry projects.

Before John Was a Jazz Giant by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Sean Qualls (Henry Holt, 2008) In this simple story with an inviting repeating line, Ms. Weatherford shares young John Coltrane's musical influences. Sean Qualls' illustrations capture the movement of music and the richness of African American culture..

Depending on the time available to teach this unit of instruction, educators can engage students with the children's literature and then choose to include jazz musician research or go directly to composing poems after students have painted their artwork. Some students may conduct research on their own and bring their learning back to the class. Making connections to National Poetry Month (in April) or jazz musicians in the news can strengthen students text-to-text and text-to-world experiences.

Fifth-grade students illustrated this pathfinder with paintings in the style of Picasso's "Three Musicians."