The Band in Our Basement Social Science / Ethnic Studies - American - African American & Black Studies / Music / History & Criticism / History / African American & Black She is witness to the

She is witness to the now-historic events of the century: the Great Migration north

and tea-colored skin make her feel excluded

Abdurraqib uses touchstones from the world outside—from Marvin Gaye to Nikola Tesla to his neighbor's dogs—to create a mirror

to stories set in the magical now

The Band in Our Basement Social Science / Ethnic Studies - American - African American & Black Studies / Music / History & Criticism / History / African American & Black She is witness to theIn this rollicking, rhyming picture book, a pair of siblings who are supposed to be in bed discover a jazz band playing in their basement The sounds downstairs are funky and we start to wiggle toes. We flip flop and we giggle with sheets up to the nose. The rhythms steady, the trumpets sweet. Before too long, were on our feet! After hearing Daddys band practicing in the basement, a brother and sister cant resist sneaking out of bed to watch them play.