TROMBONE SHORTY by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews

 

Trombone Shorty is what every kid with a dream needs to hear. 

If it’s inside of you, do it with all your heart and with all your might, and something good will surely come of it.

This simple story about a Louisianan boy and his trombone is uplifting and inspiring. It encourages children to chase their dreams and believe in their passions. Rooted in New Orleans heritage, the pages explode with color and music and jazz, a perfect way to say, “However far you travel, remember where you come from.” It’s got themes of relationship, family, and roots, our protagonist explaining his world and how it informed his love for music: his mama cooking gumbo on the stove, his friends rushing away from the homework table to play their makeshift instruments, his big brother calling him, “TROMBONE SHORTY!” when seeing him with the big brass thing, crowning Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews his stage name and legacy. Through hard work, Trombone Shorty did great things, just like he knew he could.

If I had a classroom…

I’d have them read this book and think about their own passions. I’d picture this book being used in a 2nd-3rd grade classroom. Using the classic question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, students would explore their hobbies and skills, write/draw them out, and tell the class with confidence. For example, a little boy with a drawn picture of a water hose putting out a fire says in front of the class, “I AM A FIREFIGHTER!” And so he is. Even if for just a day. The assignment would, ideally, inspire confidence and get them thinking about their budding potential. I’d also disclose that Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews is a real person who made his dreams come true by pursuing his passion; they will know that the book is not just a story meant to entertain them, but truth meant to call them higher.