Beethoven for Kids

Gr 6—8—This well-written text tells the story of Beethoven's life and music from his birth in Bohn to his death in Vienna. Bauer explains some terms contextually and defines others in a three-page glossary. Even so, readers already familiar with musical terminology will have an easier time understanding the book. The text winds above and around rather lengthy information boxes that describe places and people who influenced Beethoven. The material in them is interesting but reading it breaks up and slows down the main narrative. The activities primarily explore the composer's music. For example, one activity suggests designing a CD cover for a collection of Beethoven's music. Most of the suggestions are entertaining, but some, like writing program notes for a Beethoven symphony, are less likely to appeal to average children. The book is handsomely formatted with decorative boarders and illustrated with black-and-white reproductions of archival artwork. This is a good choice for young musicians who are willing to put some effort into learning about a great composer's life and work.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT