Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing
Janis Joplin’s transformation from member of the high school Slide Rule Club to rock star fame is documented with insight into her personal choices and her public persona. From the opening chapter which shows a young Janis attempting and failing to fit the traditional expectations of her hometown of Port Arthur, Texas, readers are given a sense of the woman whose interests (African American singers, the Blues), and style (brash, outspoken, unrepentant) set her outside mainstream society, but who always sought attention and approval. Despite occasional enrollment at college and university, Janis couldn’t ignore the pull of her talent and inevitably drifted back to the music scene and the self-destructive behavior to which it was so closely linked. Janis’s risk-taking lifestyle is put within the context of the 1960s, acknowledging the open attitude toward sex and drug use prevalent among her peers and fans in the music world. Janis’s family was also important to her, and she maintained a regular correspondence with her parents and sister despite making choices they didn’t condone. Information about Janis’s bands and her evolving public image is covered both in the narrative and visually through numerous photographs, album and magazine covers, and promotional posters. Detailed source notes, a timeline, and a bibliography are included. ©2010 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Wisconsin author
Ann Angel grew up in Wisconsin; she has lived in various communities throughout the Milwaukee area. She attended Mount Mary College and Marquette University.
CCBC Age Recommendation: Age 14 and older
Age Range:
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Formats:
Biography, Autobiography and Memoir
Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects:
20th Century
Biography
Difference/Individuality
Girls and Women
History (Nonfiction)
Music and Musicians
Risk-taking
Sex and Sexuality
Publishers:
Abrams, Amulet
Publish Year: 2010
Pages: 120
ISBN: 9780810983496
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 920 Joplin