Elvis: The Story of the Rock and Roll King

Elvis: The Story of the Rock and Roll King
By Bonnie Christensen
Henry Holt and Company, 2015. Biography.

This picture book biography focuses on Elvis’ humble beginnings as a poor, shy Southern boy who never seemed to fit in until people heard him sing. In 1953 he took a chance and walked into Sun Records and paid to four dollars to a make a record. It wasn’t until a year later, when Sam Phillips, looking for a new sound, remembered Elvis’ unique voice and his blend of blues, country, and gospel, that Elvis’ career was launched.

This brief biography, which highlights Elvis’ vulnerabilities in his youth, shows children that we all have awkward moments in life and that it takes work and determination to make our dreams come true. The use of photo collage and oil painting in the illustrations gives the story a soft, reminiscent quality.

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