by Stephen Costanza, illustrated by Stephan Costanza

Oversized, rich warm illustrations, chronicling the life of Ragtime musical composer and artist, Scott Joplin. Born in 1868 or 69 in north Texas, to a father who was a slave, Scott was able to tag along with his mother who cleaned wealthy white people’s homes and practice the piano while mother traded for cleaning. He had a natural talent and no one could deny it.

As he become older and more skilled, he began to compose music, riffing from tunes already written and “jazzing” them up. He played at church socials, dances, and the annual Juneteenth celebrations. From there, he went to honkey tonks and ultimately the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. Because he was black, he was not allowed to play at the fair, but instead played in the surrounding cafes. Later he worked as a piano teacher and put himself through the George R. Smith College for Negroes. He famously wrote the OOM-pah with syncopated rhythms and called it, “Maple Leaf Rag.” He convinced John Stark to publish it, event though he was an unknown African American composer. It become famous! Just as he did.

The back pages of this book contain rich information about the story of his life in the form of an author’s note. Also Recommended Listening and a Bibliography.