'Stompin' at The Savoy' Celebrates a Legendary Musician with a Disability

Book Review: “Stompin’ at the Savoy: How Chick Webb Became the King of Drums” by Moira Rose Donahue

What Makes This One of the Best Children’s Books

Not many children have likely heard about Chick Webb. But he’s well worth knowing about, as he overcame racism, a disability and economic hardship to become a legendary percussionist. And Moira Rose Donahue’s rollicking “Stompin’ at the Savoy” portrays Webb’s vigorous love of music and his relentless work ethic in such an upbeat way, it will leave kids craving their own drum solos.

They’ll glean some gems about history, too. This story showcases the vibrant, big-band era of the 1930s and many of jazz’s greatest icons, giving kids an introduction to a genre they might not discover on their own.

The book kicks off with Webb’s childhood fraught with health issues, including spinal tuberculosis, though the story doesn’t linger on this any more than Chick himself did. Instead, it focuses on the boy finding utter joy in devoting his every waking moment to drumming, even if he can only drum on pots and pans because his family can’t afford a drum set.

In a real-life Horatio Alger story, Webb works as a paper boy until saving enough to purchase his own drum set. He then practices around the clock to become a virtuoso who quickly rises to the top of the American jazz scene.

The story features numerous jazz greats who play key roles in Webb’s journey to stardom, including Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. It also gives a quick overview of the birth of jazz and how it spawned swing music, and Laura Freeman’s lively illustrations provide a thrilling depiction of athletic swing dancing.

Offering another intriguing historic detail, the book highlights the Savoy Ballroom where the adult Webb leads his band nightly. A rare, interracial venue attracting spirited dancers of all backgrounds, this setting provides an uplifting demonstration for young readers of how music brings people together.

Webb’s true story serves up so many valuable lessons for kids, especially the payoff of practice and enthusiasm.

And he also provides an example of rising above a disability. Webb not only masters swing music in spite of lifelong back issues, but he reclaims the cruel nickname bullies gave him because of his hunched body and strange walk, keeping “chick” as his moniker throughout his short life.

This inspiring book offers children important proof of how hard work and passion can overcome tremendous obstacles.

How My Child Reacted to This Book

My son in preschool was giddy over this book’s exhilarating portrayal of Webb’s magical drumming abilities. He delighted at how Webb drummed on everything in sight as a child, and he especially enjoyed the many pages splashed with the colorful sound effects of Webb’s drumming.

He also wanted to look at the illustrations of the swing dancers repeatedly, and even asked to watch a video of swing dancers to see the real dance moves in action.

I believe older kids would strongly relate to Webb in this book, especially as it portrays much of his childhood.

Potential Conversations and Activities to Pair with This Book

Families can find many valuables topics to chat about from “Stompin’ at the Savoy.”

This book offers an opportunity to discuss how people with disabilities can still lead active lives, and the importance of practicing and working hard to achieve goals. As other kids taunted Webb as a child, families might also consider discussing bullying, and the importance of treating people with disabilities with respect.

This story also serves as a prime chance to nurture kids’ enjoyment of jazz. Families can find songs online by many of the artists mentioned in the book, such as Ella Fitzgerald. They can also play recordings of swing music for their kids, as they might not otherwise hear this style often.