Review by Booklist Review
Sometimes even stars need a little help to shine. Focusing on the friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe, this picture book highlights the similarities between the two women and the ways in which they helped each other succeed. The author alternates between the two stars, first sharing their discovery stories and then their struggles to overcome barriers. When Marilyn was given her first major singing role in a movie, she learned how to sing by immersing herself in Ella's music. After the movie's success, she sought out Ella to thank her in person, and a lifelong friendship began. After learning about the racial discrimination Ella faced, Marilyn used her influence to secure her a singing engagement at Hollywood's top nightclub. The text moves smoothly, though the use of girls to describe the women may raise eyebrows. Softly focused illustrations blend cartoon style with realism. The overall effect is slightly uneven but generally captures each woman's likeness. Back matter includes an author's note and primary and secondary sources. A solid purchase for larger collections.--Suzanne Harold Copyright 2020 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
"Ella and Marilyn. On the outside, you couldn't find two girls who looked more different. But on the inside, they were alike--full of hopes and dreams, and plans of what might be." Readers may blanch at this opener, which appears above an illustration of the two women, but the story that follows embodies allyship. Monroe idolized Fitzgerald, studying her albums to learn how to sing in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Afterward, Monroe thanked Fitzgerald for her help and used her star power to persuade a prejudiced nightclub manager to give Fitzgerald a career-changing engagement and secure for herself roles that better reflected her intellectual sensibilities. In the extensive author's note, Kirkfield (Sweet Dreams, Sarah) quotes Fitzgerald: "Marilyn was an unusual woman. A little ahead of her times." Simple but effective text is supported by Harris's realistic scenes, which have a stylized, digital gloss. Ages 4--8. (Jan.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--African American singer Ella Fitzgerald and blonde movie star Marilyn Monroe shared their need to be heard and helped each other along the way. Kirkfield describes the obstacles these women faced: Fitzgerald battled racism, and Monroe was underestimated due to her gender. Monroe taught herself to become a better singer by listening to recordings of Fitzgerald's songs and achieved star status for her role in the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. In turn, she convinced the owner of a formerly whitesonly Hollywood night club to hire Fitzgerald, paving the way for the jazz singer's more universal recognition. The relatively simple text is supported by an author's note and extensive sources, both primary (videos and interviews) and secondary (books and online resources). Kirkfield makes clear that both women brought deep personal feelings to their performances. Harris's digital illustrations are varied, from vignettes to full and doublepage spreads. One striking spread echoed on the title page and cover shows the pair still engaged in conversation in an otherwise empty and darkened nightclub. VERDICT An inspiring story about 20th-century icons that will be unfamiliar to most young readers. Recommended for schools and public libraries.--Kathleen Isaacs, Children's Literature Specialist, Pasadena, MD
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe were mutual supporters according to this historical picture book.Ella and Marilyn were different on the outside, but both were "full of hopes and dreams" while their circumstances were humble. After they got their big breaks, Ella in jazz singing and Marilyn in acting, each struggled to reach her full potential. In the United States, Ella faced barriers due to racism and places that only hired "glamorous" stars. Marilyn got plenty of roles, but as a woman in an industry run by men, she lacked control over her career. When she got a script with a big singing role, she listened to her favorite singer, Ella, to practice for it. The movie was a hit, and Marilyn was finally able to get her voice heard as a professional. She went to thank Ella in person at one of Ella's shows, and the two talked into the night. When Marilyn learned of the barriers Ella faced, she used her star status to negotiate a performance for Ella at a popular nightclub. While Marilyn is shown attaining fame first, this warm story emphasizes Ella's role in her success, thus avoiding the trap of the white-savior narrative. Many white artists have benefited from imitating black ones; this is the rare narrative to acknowledge that. Harris' illustrations are stiff but engaging; saturated with color, they capture the iconic looks of the two stars. A good volume to include in a larger conversation about friendship, allyship, and social justice. (author's note, sources) (Picture book/biography. 5-10) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
