The Boy from Nine Miles: The Early Life of Bob Marley (Young Spirit Books) [Hardcover]

Cedella Marley (Author), Gerald Hausman (Author), Mariah Fox (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 2008 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Young Spirit Books

Bob Marley's music is known around the globe. The BBC selected One Love as the anthem of the millenium and Time magazine declared EXODUS the album of the twentieth century. However, while much has been said about the man and his music, very little has been written about his childhood and the influences that made him into the most important artist to give voice to the third world. Alive with the vivid colors of Jamaica, The Boy From Nine Miles begins in the small village where Nesta Robert Marley opened his eyes to the world. The story moves to the markets and streets of Kingston. Here, separated from his family, the five-year-old boy first felt the pain and sorrows of poverty. During his year-long stay in Kingston, the young Marley also found the music that was in his heart. By the time he returned to Nine Miles, he knew he would be a singer. Eloquently told by Cedella Marley and Gerald Hausman, The Boy From Nine Miles is illustrated by Mariah Fox in the folk art style of Jamaica. Complete with additional biographical material, a discography, Jamaican glossary, and a brief time-line, The Boy from Nine Miles is a wonderful introduction to Bob Marley that readers of all ages will cherish and enjoy.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-4-A brief account of the musician's childhood in Jamaica, cowritten by his daughter. The two chapters cover the first five years of Marley's life with his mother and grandparents in Nine Miles, and a year he spent in Kingston. The book is full of conversations and descriptions of the young boy's thoughts and feelings as the father he has never known arrives and takes him to be educated in the city, and the writing is at times amateurish. An afterword sketches Marley's career. Framed full- and double-page illustrations in vibrant colors appear throughout. Unfortunately, they fall short of the folk quality to which they clearly aspire. While some young readers may be interested in Marley's life and music, the narrow focus of this book limits its appeal and usefulness.
Tim Wadham, Maricopa County Library District, Phoenix, AZ
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

...a delightful and long awaited children's version of Bob's life...invitingly vivid drawings by Mariah Fox...highly recommended. -- Beat Magazine, May 2002

...compiles a comprehensive tale about the simple boy who grew to teach the world lessons in song...beautiful illustrations. -- Caribbean Life, February 4, 2004

...this intriguing biography describes Marley's early life in such fateful terms...rich, rhythmic language, rife with biblical imagery... -- The Ruminator Review, Winter 2002-2003

In addition to the delightful illustrations of Mariah Fox, the books includes a Jamaican glossary and a brief bibliography. -- Light of Consciousness, Autumn, 2002

The simple story complemented by illustrations in the style of Caribbean folk art portrays Marley's impoverished beginnings. --The Small Press Book Review, July, 2002

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 55 pages
• Publisher: Hampton Roads Publishing Company/Tuff Gong Books (October 10, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571742824
• ISBN-13: 978-1571742827
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #227,689 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #70 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > Musical

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It made them cry, October 31, 2004

By 

wendyful (Miami, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Boy from Nine Miles: The Early Life of Bob Marley (Young Spirit Books) (Hardcover)

I have read this book to my middle school ESE classes for the past three school years (present year included). Year after year, class after class, it has enchanted and enthralled each and every child. They cry.
Mind you, these are not your average students. My students come from extremely harsh environments and many of them have criminal histories. They are the so-called 'tough guys' of the school. Yet still, they cry. Every last one of them

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Kids, January 2, 2005

By 

Wilbur McPatterson (Boise, ID USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Boy from Nine Miles: The Early Life of Bob Marley (Young Spirit Books) (Hardcover)

This book continues to amaze me -- no matter how many times I read it. I also have shared the novel with many friends and family as gifts. The story of Bob Marley's childhood is revealed truthfully and vividly through beautiful illustrations by Mariah Fox and a wonderful collaboration by daughter Cedella Marley and seasoned author Gerald Hausman.

The message of this book rings as clear and soulful as Bob Marley's own songs. Adults and children alike can share in this experience and journey of a child - it's a fantastic learning tool especially for kids and the subject matter is sure to keep them interested. Highly Recommended.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for the young, December 6, 2004

By 

J. Williams "J. E. Williams, OMD" (Sarasota, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Boy from Nine Miles: The Early Life of Bob Marley (Young Spirit Books) (Hardcover)

Gerald Hausman is a not only a distinguished writer, but has lived in Jamaica and knows the culture with eyes wide open. His daughter, Mariah Fox, was almost raised on the island and her drawings, more magical than real, speak of places beyond places. Cedella Marley was always there, heard all the stories, knows all the songs, and tells the story of Bob Marley's childhood from a daughter's view point. All my children have this book, as do my grandchildren, and one day so will my great grandchildren. Read it, look at the pictures, and smile. It is that good.