Ray Charles

Sharon Bell Mathis. Lee & Low Books, $17.95 (40pp) ISBN 978-1-58430-017-5

Winner of both the Coretta Scott King Author Award and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, Ray Charles by Sharon Bell Mathis, illus. by George Ford, originally published in 1973, traces the star's surmounting of incredible obstacles to become one of the world's greatest jazz musicians. Ford's illustrations capture every emotional nuance, from Ray's disappointment at being tricked by classmates as a child, to his strength as a man, refusing to perform to segregated audiences. ( June)

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