Rock & Roll Highway: The Robbie Robertson Story
Sebastian Robertson, illus. by Adam Gustavson. Holt/Ottaviano, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-8050-9473-2
Robertson details his father’s development as a Canadian musician who eventually became known for his work with the Band. Influenced by his First Nation heritage, Robertson formed his first band at age 13; interactions with artists like Buddy Holly and Bob Dylan helped him hone his guitar style. Robertson offers insight into the musical scene of the time, noting the Band’s unique aesthetic: “It was as if they stumbled out of the 1800s right on to the psychedelic rock scene of the 1960s.” Gustavson’s naturalistic oil paintings combine off-the-cuff moments with more iconic compositions that might have been pulled from dusty album covers. A detailed time line and a q&a flesh out this loving account. Ages 6–9. Author’s agent: Ryan Harbage, Fischer-Harbage Agency. Illustrator’s agent: Abigail Samoun, Red Fox Literary. (Oct.)
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Reviewed on: 09/01/2014
Genre: Children's