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Django
Born into a travelling gypsy family, young Django Reinhardt taught himself guitar at an early age. He was soon acclaimed as the "Gypsy Genius" and "Prodigy Boy," but one day his world changed completely when a fire claimed the use of his fretting hand. Folks said Django would never play again, but with passion and perserverance he was soon setting the world's concert stages ablaze. Bonnie Christensen's gorgeous oil paintings and jazzy, syncopated text perfectly depict the man and his music.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2009
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142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
August 9, 2018
Pretty good overview, with some interesting details, but it felt very removed. It is told in a poetic manner, and it felt like that poem stayed up on the surface. The explanation of trout tickling in the back was far more evocative than the original use in the text.
April 14, 2010
Inspiring story of a remarkable musician who overcame odds that might overwhelm a lesser person, Django Reinhardt. Born to an itinerant gypsy family, he learned at a young age to play musical instruments. When his violinist father abandons him, he experiments with jazz and soon is a sought-after performer. A fire in his caravan causes devastating injury to his hands, but dedicated practice and ingenuity enable him to compensate for his loss, and eventually he is able to perform better than ever. The rhythmic text, evocative of Langston Hughes, echoes the jazz sounds Django creates. The strongly colored oil paintings evoke the smoky gypsy encampment and the lively Parisian jazz clubs. Lexile level 700. Interest level higher.
June 27, 2012
This book was on the 2010 Schneider Family Book Award list. This book would be good for students 1st-3rd grade. The book has a very rhythmic follow and could be a lot of fun for younger students to really get into.
April 4, 2013
Anyway I'm still standing on my racist mind sorry Mr. Bonnie but person must born free to fight for his freedom.
July 12, 2016
Interesting story
October 18, 2018
This book was well written about a many that had the dream of playing guitar but tragically was caught in a fire, leaving his hands injured. It was wonderful to see that through perseverance and hard work, Django was able to relearn and work towards his goal of playing again. This book relays a beautiful and deep message that even at our lowest lows, we can work and strive to reach our highest high. This teaches children maybe with disabilities, or even children going through hard times that if they put their mind to their future accomplishments and put forth their best effort, something is bound to happen that will change their life. I loved the pictures of this book even though some were dark and scary because they gave a great depiction of what the words were saying. Overall, I enjoyed this book and its illustrations because it gave a story that was unfamiliar but ended with a positive vibe and related the message that hard work is worth it for those who put in the effort.
July 13, 2017
A wonderful graphical novel, in the form of a biography and winner of the Schneider Family Book Award, Django is a truly uplifting book. Django, a well known and popular Belgian musician with the world at his feet is suddenly faced with a truly devastating event. A fire causes him to lose everything - including the ability to play his guitar. He secretly practices and practices to regain movement in his hand finding new sounds as he strokes the chords. Set in 1930 Paris, Django surprises everyone and begins playing his guitar; revealing that nothing would keep him from playing his guitar and doing what he loved. The imagery throughout the book helps to capture the moods and jazzy tones of the music styles of this time period.
September 11, 2025
Date: 2010
Award: Schneider Family Book Award
Genre: Nonfiction, Children’s picture book, poetry
Django: The World’s Greatest Jazz Guitarist by Bonnie Christensen is a rhythmically written story of Django Reinhardt’s legendary journey as a gypsy guitarist. When Django burned his hands in an accident, all seemed lost, but he didn’t give up even when others thought it would be impossible for him to play the guitar again. I loved the fact that this book was written poetically, and the illustrations were just absolutely fantastic. The gift I gained from this book was a small glimpse into Django’s experience as a musician and all the challenges he overcame as a person.
Award: Schneider Family Book Award
Genre: Nonfiction, Children’s picture book, poetry
Django: The World’s Greatest Jazz Guitarist by Bonnie Christensen is a rhythmically written story of Django Reinhardt’s legendary journey as a gypsy guitarist. When Django burned his hands in an accident, all seemed lost, but he didn’t give up even when others thought it would be impossible for him to play the guitar again. I loved the fact that this book was written poetically, and the illustrations were just absolutely fantastic. The gift I gained from this book was a small glimpse into Django’s experience as a musician and all the challenges he overcame as a person.
September 17, 2020
Jecel and I read this story together. I love anything historical and it is especially fun when it is new information to me. We learned about the life of this amazing musician and also the culture that he was raised in. He comes from the Roma people or "gypsies" as they are often referred to. Django had to overcome many hardships in his life. We listened to some of his music after reading the book. An enlightening and interesting story.
September 13, 2017
Read this to the lads this morning. The lovely rhythms of the text were entrancing as they described the life of this young gypsy boy who overcame his poverty and severe burns on his hands to become a world-renowned jazz guitarist. We were able to find some of his prolific work on Spotify.
December 12, 2020
Through really beautiful oil painting illustrations Bonnie Christensen tells the story of Django Reinhardt. He persevered through a life-altering hand injury and became one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time.
December 10, 2023
As a guitar player myself, I find this book very inspirational. Django, using two fingers to create some of the most iconic jazz music, is an incredible spectacle. He used his disability to his advantage and became much more than just a musician.
December 5, 2019
It would be neat to use to show how to overcome a horrific accident and still achieve your dreams.
September 15, 2020
The book is one of new favorite book. Yo me it was inspiring.
January 24, 2021
A children's biography on Django Reinhardt. Inspiration to persevere through adversity to continue perusing one's passion.
February 7, 2022
Very enjoyable story.
February 7, 2022
honestly didn’t love. the art was great but i didn’t love the way it was written. kinda confusing but i love the dates integrated in the story
November 2, 2023
Inspiring life of young man who has great musical talent.
3.5/5 ⭐️
3.5/5 ⭐️
October 23, 2024
Loved this. CathyR
November 22, 2021
A biography on famous jazz guitarist Django shares his rise to talent and his trials of overcoming injury. This book would be a fun read aloud or to be used as a biography study.
October 2, 2013
Stephanie Rice- READ 6252
Informational Picture Books
Book Title: Django World’s Greatest Jazz Guitarist
Author: Bonnie Christensen
Short Description of the Book: Django tells the story of one of the most accomplished Jazz guitarists in the history of music. Django is born in Belgium on January 23, 1910. He is part of a gypsy family that is constantly moving around across Europe. Django learns to play the guitar and his talent is continually enjoyed by all of the people in his traveling band. Django is involved in a wagon fire after one of his main performances in Paris and as a result he suffers severe burns on his left hand. Django’s doctors do not believe that he will ever be able to play the guitar again. Django is determined to continue pursuing his passion and after months of hard work he learns to play the gypsy jazz guitar once again.
Historical Focus: The book is a biography of Jean Reinhardt, one of the greatest gypsy jazz guitarists in the early 1900’s. Django, as he was commonly known, traveled around Europe playing for large crowds of eager fans in large concert venues. He recorded for records and was an extremely popular artist of the time period.
Focus:
1.) Narrative Structure: Christensen structured the story as a compilation of different poems. Each page contains short, choppy sentences that allow the reader to detect a lyrical element of the words and phrases. For example the author wrote, “Music, sighing, wheeling, singing, laughing, breathing, reeling and spinning”. The paragraph allows readers to truly understand the powerful impact the Django’s musical talent had on his audience. The story is also set up in a timeline fashion centered on the major events in Django’s life. For example, in 1928 Django lives in Paris and is offered the opportunity to play with a well-known Parisian Jazz band.
2.) Historical Significance: Django can be used as an investigation into the development of music and musical expression throughout the 1900’s. The story is centered on Django’s early career and ends with him recovering from a crippling burn sustained during a wagon fire. As an extension assignment students would be asked to add to the biography and express how Django impacted the development of Jazz music and Jazz culture worldwide. An additional research extension created from the book is to have students investigate the traditions of gypsies in Europe in the 1900’s.
TEACH: CCSS Connection- ELA- Literacy. RH.9-10.2 determine the central idea or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of how key events or ideas develop over the course of the text.
Informational Picture Books
Book Title: Django World’s Greatest Jazz Guitarist
Author: Bonnie Christensen
Short Description of the Book: Django tells the story of one of the most accomplished Jazz guitarists in the history of music. Django is born in Belgium on January 23, 1910. He is part of a gypsy family that is constantly moving around across Europe. Django learns to play the guitar and his talent is continually enjoyed by all of the people in his traveling band. Django is involved in a wagon fire after one of his main performances in Paris and as a result he suffers severe burns on his left hand. Django’s doctors do not believe that he will ever be able to play the guitar again. Django is determined to continue pursuing his passion and after months of hard work he learns to play the gypsy jazz guitar once again.
Historical Focus: The book is a biography of Jean Reinhardt, one of the greatest gypsy jazz guitarists in the early 1900’s. Django, as he was commonly known, traveled around Europe playing for large crowds of eager fans in large concert venues. He recorded for records and was an extremely popular artist of the time period.
Focus:
1.) Narrative Structure: Christensen structured the story as a compilation of different poems. Each page contains short, choppy sentences that allow the reader to detect a lyrical element of the words and phrases. For example the author wrote, “Music, sighing, wheeling, singing, laughing, breathing, reeling and spinning”. The paragraph allows readers to truly understand the powerful impact the Django’s musical talent had on his audience. The story is also set up in a timeline fashion centered on the major events in Django’s life. For example, in 1928 Django lives in Paris and is offered the opportunity to play with a well-known Parisian Jazz band.
2.) Historical Significance: Django can be used as an investigation into the development of music and musical expression throughout the 1900’s. The story is centered on Django’s early career and ends with him recovering from a crippling burn sustained during a wagon fire. As an extension assignment students would be asked to add to the biography and express how Django impacted the development of Jazz music and Jazz culture worldwide. An additional research extension created from the book is to have students investigate the traditions of gypsies in Europe in the 1900’s.
TEACH: CCSS Connection- ELA- Literacy. RH.9-10.2 determine the central idea or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of how key events or ideas develop over the course of the text.
December 2, 2013
Django Reinhardt was a French born Gypsy, and one of the most influential jazz guitarists in the world. Born in 1910, and passing away at the young age of 43, Django nevertheless left his mark on the world of European Jazz music in his short time here, and is still a household name among guitar players all over the world to this day. What makes his story so exceptional is that he did it with only two fingers on his left hand - his middle and ring fingers, to be precise. After a fire left his other two fingers paralyzed, and essentially useless, he persevered and invented a new style of jazz playing to accommodate his rather limited physical range on the instrument.
Bonnie Christensen’s picture book tells this triumphant story through the mediums of coloured pencil drawings, and free verse poetry. The poetry to me is the highlight of this book, because much like Django did with music, she breaks from convention, and is not bound by strict, formulaic rhyme schemes.
For example:
Django doesn’t hear the chatter
Listening to the saxes sigh.
Trombones moan, clarinets wail
Jazz riffs curling through the night.
Jazz American, jazz like Django –
Moving bending
Changing blending
Try that rhythm, stretch that measure,
Syncopation. Twist that line.
The author is able to use these creative and wild poems because they are backed up with solid illustrations that are far less abstract, and work to clarify the unusual text. These illustrations are not spectacular by any stretch, but they effectively convey the mood to the story, especially the pages where Django is in the hospital, depressed because the doctors have told him he will never play music again, and the more colourful depictions of Django wowing a small audience with his new techniques are also quite well done.
I would say this is a great, inspirational story for children of all ages, as it shows that disabilities can be overcome with dedication and creativity. Though, children younger than six years old might have a difficult time with the sophisticated and unorthodox language.
Django: World’s Greatest Jazz Guitarist won the American Library Association Schneider Family Book Award in 2010.
Bonnie Christensen’s picture book tells this triumphant story through the mediums of coloured pencil drawings, and free verse poetry. The poetry to me is the highlight of this book, because much like Django did with music, she breaks from convention, and is not bound by strict, formulaic rhyme schemes.
For example:
Django doesn’t hear the chatter
Listening to the saxes sigh.
Trombones moan, clarinets wail
Jazz riffs curling through the night.
Jazz American, jazz like Django –
Moving bending
Changing blending
Try that rhythm, stretch that measure,
Syncopation. Twist that line.
The author is able to use these creative and wild poems because they are backed up with solid illustrations that are far less abstract, and work to clarify the unusual text. These illustrations are not spectacular by any stretch, but they effectively convey the mood to the story, especially the pages where Django is in the hospital, depressed because the doctors have told him he will never play music again, and the more colourful depictions of Django wowing a small audience with his new techniques are also quite well done.
I would say this is a great, inspirational story for children of all ages, as it shows that disabilities can be overcome with dedication and creativity. Though, children younger than six years old might have a difficult time with the sophisticated and unorthodox language.
Django: World’s Greatest Jazz Guitarist won the American Library Association Schneider Family Book Award in 2010.
November 7, 2011
Django by Bonnie Christensen, tells the story of jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. Jean Reinhart was born in Belgium in 1910, but his Gypsy name was Django, which means I awake. As a gypsy, his family traveled throughout many countries of Europe, playing music and living off the land. His father, who taught him to play the violin, abandoned him at a young age. Eventually, Django began playing the banjo guitar on the streets of Paris and eventually joins a Jazz band as a guitarist. People call him “Gypsy Genius” and “Prodigy Boy”. An accidental fire leaves Django with hands so burned, that doctors have no hope that he will ever be able to use them again. Django doesn’t accept this diagnosis. He works his hands until he can play again, although in a different way, and eventually becomes famous throughout Europe and the U.S. He even performs with Duke Ellington at Carnegie Hall.
This was a remarkable true story about courage and perseverance. I especially found the authors notes at the end of the book very informative. She explains that a banjo guitar had a banjo body and a guitar neck. She also gives details about gypsies, or Roma, their nationalities, culture, and history. She even explains what an rpm record is. The illustrations, which appeared to be pencil or chalk really fit the story. The weaknss is that the notes are at the end, where they may not be read. If I was using this with a class, I would read some of the notes first.
This would be an excellent book for K-3rd grade students. Not only does it illustrate a nomadic lifestyle, but also a group of people unfamiliar to most American children. It demonstrates the qualities of never giving up and working for what you really want. The musical references, make it a possible resource for a music classroom.
2010 Schneider Family Book Award for Young Children
This was a remarkable true story about courage and perseverance. I especially found the authors notes at the end of the book very informative. She explains that a banjo guitar had a banjo body and a guitar neck. She also gives details about gypsies, or Roma, their nationalities, culture, and history. She even explains what an rpm record is. The illustrations, which appeared to be pencil or chalk really fit the story. The weaknss is that the notes are at the end, where they may not be read. If I was using this with a class, I would read some of the notes first.
This would be an excellent book for K-3rd grade students. Not only does it illustrate a nomadic lifestyle, but also a group of people unfamiliar to most American children. It demonstrates the qualities of never giving up and working for what you really want. The musical references, make it a possible resource for a music classroom.
2010 Schneider Family Book Award for Young Children
February 6, 2015
This biography was great! It is a complex picture book with amazing drawings that add so much emotion for the reader. Written in poetry-prose format, this book flows off your tongue. The pictures are so beautiful and really draw the reader in. Bonnie Christensen does a good job of not avoiding the hard things about Django's life, such as being abandoned by his father and having parts of his body burned during a fire in his home.
This story would be great for a read-aloud in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade. It would be great as a part of a unit on famous musicians. Django's story is so heartwarming and shows such perseverance! I loved this book and so did the little boy that I babysat and read it to (:
If I used this book, I would also incorporate some of Django's music, perhaps during a read and relax time. I think students would really like it because it gives a deep meaning with his life story and how he preservers, but at the same time it is not overly wordy and has beautiful pictures. The words being written like a song or poem is also so great because it is different from most books! I would highly recommend!
This story would be great for a read-aloud in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade. It would be great as a part of a unit on famous musicians. Django's story is so heartwarming and shows such perseverance! I loved this book and so did the little boy that I babysat and read it to (:
If I used this book, I would also incorporate some of Django's music, perhaps during a read and relax time. I think students would really like it because it gives a deep meaning with his life story and how he preservers, but at the same time it is not overly wordy and has beautiful pictures. The words being written like a song or poem is also so great because it is different from most books! I would highly recommend!
March 19, 2020
This book takes you through Django’s life and love for music. It shows how big of a priority music had always been to him and in his life then shows when he finally had the opportunity to make it into the big leagues. Unfortunate when he went home his house caught on fire, bursting into flames. He stugglee to make it out and when he did he was on fire himself. This ruined the nerves in his hand and the doctor told him his left hand was useless because of the damage it took in the fire. When the bandages came off he couldn’t help but pick up a guitar, he waited until nobody was around and it would be okay for him to mess up. This book shows that disability shouldn’t take over your life as well as gives you a glimpse into what it is like for somebody with a new disability and how challenge it is already for them without one judging them. It also she’s such a strong level of perseverance from him and his character the determination to once again be able to play guitar. This is why this book is an award winner and all deserving of it. I could see this book truly helping people overcome their newer disabilities
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2010
This is the inspiring story of Django, a stellar jazz guitarist of the '30s and '40s, who suffered terrible burns to his hands when a candle fell over one night and engulfed his room in flames. It seemed he would never be able to play guitar again, and he almost despaired. But, the music was in his heart and it had to come out! He overcame his physical challenges and went on to play even more successfully than before his accident.
The story is told in a delightfully rhythmic way that really evokes music and the illustrations are bright and pleasant though I'm not sure I was an especial fan of the style.
The Author's Note explains more about Django's story, the type of instrument he played (a "banjo-guitar") and about his people, the Roma ("gypsies").
The story is told in a delightfully rhythmic way that really evokes music and the illustrations are bright and pleasant though I'm not sure I was an especial fan of the style.
The Author's Note explains more about Django's story, the type of instrument he played (a "banjo-guitar") and about his people, the Roma ("gypsies").
February 19, 2012
Jean Reinhardt, also known as Django ("I awake"), was a gypsy who learned to play the violin as a small child, eventually moving on to the banjo guitar. He was so skilled that he played all of Europe and was invited to join several big bands until a fire in his gyspy wagon burnt his hand so badly that no one thought he'd ever be able to play agian. After months of dedicated playing, Django regained enough mobility in his hand to play again and continue sharing his music with audiences around Europe. In addition to its watercolor illustrations, the book's written langauge is short and lyrical, almost like poetry. This book has the potential to be used in a unit on jazz musicians, or those overcoming adversity.
October 19, 2014
Bonnie Christensen's poem and illustrations in this picture book format detail the life of a famous jazz guitarist. Readers get a glimpse of Django's childhood and watch him struggle to overcome injury after a fire destroys his hand. Finally, Django triumphs and becomes a world-renown guitarist.
This book would be appropriate to share as a read aloud with children between three and six years old. The pictures enhance the mood and help to clarify the meaning of the text. The book could also be used by older readers up to ten years old in the study of poetry. Older readers may be able to read the book independently. The book also includes helpful information about Django and the Roma culture.
This book would be appropriate to share as a read aloud with children between three and six years old. The pictures enhance the mood and help to clarify the meaning of the text. The book could also be used by older readers up to ten years old in the study of poetry. Older readers may be able to read the book independently. The book also includes helpful information about Django and the Roma culture.
January 13, 2011
I never heard of this guy until I read this book. Django Reinhardt was an early 20th century gypsy jazz guitarist--who knew? Just goes to show you never know what you'll find in children's books. I think the appeal of this one is that, as a young man, his left had was damaged in a fire, which might have ended his rising career. But he developed a technique to continue playing with his crippled left hand, and rose to fame and fortune. Just goes to show what you can do when you don't let adversity get you down. I just wish the book had been accompanied by a CD of some of his music. Now I've got to find a recording...
July 27, 2010
Born into poverty and abandoned by his father Django finds escape through learning how to play the guitar. While traveling with his family Django listens and learns new skills for the guitar. He soon finds himself playing in the streets and jazz clubs of Paris. His skills are unmatched and may get him out of poverty but a delibilitating injury may prevent him from playing the guitar ever again.
This biography is told in a sing song rhythm like the jazz music that was played by Django. It has great contrasting colors that are vibrant and come alive. I liked how fast paced the book was.
(Scheinder, 2010)
This biography is told in a sing song rhythm like the jazz music that was played by Django. It has great contrasting colors that are vibrant and come alive. I liked how fast paced the book was.
(Scheinder, 2010)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews