The Minstrel's Melody (American Girl: History Mysteries) [Hardcover]

Eleanora E. Tate (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Series: History Mysteries

In 1904, twelve-year-old Orphelia follows her dream by running away from home to join an all-black minstrel show headed for the Saint Louis World's Fair, and learns about her family's troubled past in the process.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 4-7-Orphelia, 12, longs to go to the St. Louis World's Fair. When her idol, the marvelous Madame Meritta, brings her famous traveling minstrel show to the rural African-American community of Calico Creek, MO, looking for new talent, the girl sees her big chance. However, her mother seems set against her daughter's interest in music, allowing her only to play in church. After a minor mischievous incident, the child is not permitted to play in the talent show after all, and, indeed, may not be allowed to play the piano again. In despair, she runs away with the troupe, where she confronts the realities of life on the road, experiences the hard work behind the glamour, encounters racism, and learns about the financial uncertainties of show business. Orphelia also meets a mysterious man and discovers a secret about her family's past that may explain her mother's reticence to indulge her musical talent. While the mystery is fairly predictable, children will enjoy figuring it out with the determined, likable protagonist. Tate creates a strong sense of community, both in Orphelia's hometown and among the members of the minstrel troupe. Historical elements, such as the use of blackface in theater, are woven almost seamlessly into the narrative. The appendix offers additional insight into the history of minstrel shows, music, and African-American life in the early 1900s. A good read for any fan of historical fiction.

Robin L. Gibson, Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OH

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 5-7. This entry in the History Mysteries series is more adventure than mystery. It features an African American protagonist, Orphelia, who loves to sing and play the piano, despite her mother's objections. Orphelia sets her sights on winning a talent contest; the winner will get to perform at the St. Louis World's Fair. Before the talent show, however, Orphelia gets in trouble for poking around an abandoned building. Mama punishes Orphelia by forbidding her to take part in the talent show, and Orphelia responds by running away. Thus begins an on-the-road adventure that ends with Orphelia performing in St. Louis and also solving a painful family mystery involving the disappearance of an uncle who was lynched. Tate spins an enjoyable story that effectively portrays both the trials of a musically gifted child and the difficulties faced by African Americans in a largely segregated society. A "Peek Into the Past" chapter provides added background on the novel's 1904 Missouri setting. A smooth weave of entertainment and information. Denise Wilms
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 163 pages
• Publisher: American Girl (March 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584853115
• ISBN-13: 978-1584853114
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,690,398 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Leanna's Review, May 23, 2011

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Minstrel's Melody (Mysteries Through Time) (Paperback)

"The Minstrel's Melody" is a really good book. It's about a 12 year old girl named Orphelia Bruce and she wants to be in the music business. She is really talented as people tell her. Though the one thing that is standing in her way is her mom. Her mom only lets her perform in church. Orphelia's idol Madame Merrita comes to town. Mandame Merrita is keeping her eye out for talented kids. One of the places to see those talented boys and girls is the St. Louis Fair. On her way to the fair Orphelia discovers secrets about her family's past. Sounds like a good book? Read the book "The Minstrel's Melody" to find out those secrets. It's a real page turner. I recommend this book to people who want to read a good mystery that excites you in every chapter. I hope you read this book and enjoy it like I did when I read "The Minstrel's Melody."

4.0 out of 5 stars Great reading for teens and preteens. Recommended for Christian families., July 25, 2010

By 

Nikki "Loves good books" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Minstrel's Melody (Mysteries Through Time) (Paperback)

Wonderful book that I bought for my 2 daughters ages 11 and 13. The "Mysteries Through Time" series is wonderful for children. They enjoy the entertaining stories and don't realize they are really learning about history. Although not specifically christian books, they teach good lessons and there is nothing objectionable. My daughters now have about 5 books in the series and are looking forward to more.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great History Mystery!!!, June 19, 2001

By 

Maryam (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Minstrel's Melody (American Girl History Mysteries) (Paperback)

It's 1904, 12 year old,Orphelia Bruce has always wanted to sing and play her piano at the World's Fair in St. Louis and she wants to meet the famous Madame Meritta. She lives in Calico Creek, Missouri, and her mother finds it sinful to sing "Sassy" music and that only church music is acceptable. Her mother favors her daughter Pearl, who lies all the time, and her father just smokes all day. One day after she is forbidden to perform in the talent show she runs away and finds herself in one of Madame Meritta's coaches! There she gets acquainted with the strange and scraggly Reuben, Othello, and the glorious Madame Meritta herself. Orphelia finds out that show business is not as glamorous as she thought it would be and finds out spooky things about her family's past.