Sing to the Stars

An idealized African American urban community is at the heart of first-time author Barrett's story about a young violin student and an elderly blind man attuned to the rhythms surrounding him. Listening to footsteps, Mr. Washington can recognize not only Ephram, but Ephram's mood as well: ``Boy, I can tell when . . . you're full up pitiful with yourself!'' he says one day. ``But most times you walk with the song of life in your step.'' Mr. Washington urges Ephram to take part in an open-air neighborhood concert to be held, conveniently, the very next night. Despite his nervousness, the boy decides to participate after his grandmother tells him that Mr. Washington had been a professional musician until he'd lost his sight. When a brownout plunges the concert-goers into darkness, Ephram seizes the moment to lead Mr. Washington out of his decades-long retirement and onto the stage, where their music ``sings to the stars.'' Soft-edged pastels nurture the message of cooperation; their dreaminess helps bridge the credibility gaps in the story. Ages 5-8. (Apr.)