Behind the Song

by K.M. Walton, Ameriie (Introduction), David Arnold, Anthony Breznican, G. Love

Overview

A song to match everyone's heartbeat.

A soaring melody, a pulse-pounding beat, a touching lyric: Music takes a moment and makes it a memory. It's a universal language that can capture love, heartbreak, loss, soul searching, and wing spreading—all in the span of a few notes. In Behind the Song, fourteen acclaimed young adult authors and musicians share short stories and personal essays inspired by the songs, the albums, the musicians who move them.

So cue up the playlist and crank the volume. This is an anthology you'll want to experience on repeat.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781492638810
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	09/05/2017
Pages:	376
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 7.70(h) x 1.10(d)
Age Range:	14 - 17 Years

About the Author

K.M. Walton is the author of Cracked, Empty, and Ultimatum. As a former middle-school teacher, she’s passionate about ending bullying, and her powerful presentations have made an impact on thousands. K.M. is a graduate of West Chester University. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two sons, and cat. Visit her at kmwalton.com.

Editorial Reviews

"A compilation of stories and essays written by authors and musicians sharing the deep influences of music that helped to shape their lives, particularly calling upon their own adolescences...giving readers glimpses into the personal musical influences of such authors as Ellen Oh and E.C. Myers as well as a haunting essay by musician Donn T. " — Kirkus Reviews

"This anthology about music hits all the right notes… The 14 entries are sparked by a diverse group of artists, such as Bob Dylan, the Killers, Amy Winehouse, Oasis, and the Eagles. Readers will recognize some of the popular authors who contributed, such as Ellen Hopkins, Ellen Oh, David Arnold, and Elisa Ludwig. The pieces are about more than just the songs and reveal personal philosophies that will resonate even with readers unfamiliar with the music." — School Library Journal

From the Publisher

07/01/2017
Gr 9 Up—This anthology about music hits all the right notes. Young adult authors and musicians share the power of music through essays and short stories inspired by particular songs. The 14 entries are sparked by a diverse group of artists, such as Bob Dylan, the Killers, Amy Winehouse, Oasis, and the Eagles. Readers will recognize some of the popular authors who contributed, such as Ellen Hopkins, Ellen Oh, David Arnold, and Elisa Ludwig. The pieces are about more than just the songs and reveal personal philosophies that will resonate even with readers unfamiliar with the music. A biography of each contributor is included to further explore the impact music has had on the lives of each author. All of the songs are listed on a comprehensive playlist so that teens can create their own mixtapes. Highlights of the collection are Beth Kephart's personal essay "The Opposite of Ordinary," inspired by "A Place for Us" from West Side Story, and Hopkins's "Tiffany Twisted," inspired by the Eagles' "Hotel California." VERDICT A perfect addition to school and public libraries—especially useful as a curriculum tie-in or for writing prompts.—Kevin McGuire, Woodland Hills School District, PA

School Library Journal

2017-05-15
A compilation of stories and essays written by authors and musicians sharing the deep influences of music that helped to shape their lives, particularly calling upon their own adolescences. Any such collection presents a generational perspective that risks a disconnect with young readers, and many of the pieces do not seek to bridge this gap. Jonathan Maberry breaks this pattern with a refreshing essay that takes the time to connect with the contemporary teen audience this book is intended for, as he consciously and carefully introduces younger readers to a music culture in which there were "no iPods, no Internet streaming, no CDs." His timeless essay, filled with a lengthy list of musicians, is a soul-searching piece that can be read for years to come. The anthology does include a few diverse authors, giving readers glimpses into the personal musical influences of such authors as Ellen Oh and E.C. Myers as well as a haunting essay by musician Donn T. Some contributors reference their own songs, such as musician G. Love and author James Howe, who writes about a song he wrote with his husband, Mark Davis. In a sour note, all but one of the musical choices within this book's playlist are from white creators (the exception is Oh's inspiration, South Korean girl group 2NE1). Befitting the anthology's topic, there are sex and drugs to go with the rock 'n' roll. An entertaining-enough collection for adult fans wanting trips down Memory Lane, though perhaps not quite so successful a one for teens. (Anthology. 14-adult)

Kirkus Reviews