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As Glenn as Can Be
This artful, insightful look at pianist Glenn Gould is laid out in a narrative that uses a simple premise—articulating his “likes/dislikes”—and develops it into a sophisticated yet wholly accessible and highly engaging story. In childhood, Glenn likes boats, but not fishing; fun and playing pranks, but not bullying; nature, but not being cold. Glenn likes animals. “He loves his dog, Nicky, his rabbits, his goldfish, his budgie and his skunk, but ... he finds people more difficult, especially in groups. He does not like parties.” Glenn’s certainties extend to liking reading but not school, liking rules—of games, math, and “the patterns in music”—but “not rules that squash him. His parents make a rule that he can only practice piano four hours a day. Glenn hates this rule … Glenn loves to play the piano.” And people like hearing him play. In adulthood, after performing around the world, Glenn realizes he doesn’t like giving concerts—there is too much that is uncomfortable and unfamiliar, and too many people! So he gives performances alone, making recordings in empty concert halls. “There’s nobody to please but himself. He plays until every note is just so. This is his perfect place.” Gould’s personality and passions are detailed in this skilled, sensitive picture book, in which there is implicit acceptance of his neurodiversity. ©2022 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Nancy Vo
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 6-9
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Formats:
Biography, Autobiography and Memoir
Picture book
Subjects:
20th Century
Affirmation
Autism Spectrum
Biography
Difference/Individuality
Music and Musicians
Diversity subject:
Cognitive/Neurological Disability/Condition
Publishers:
Groundwood, House of Anansi
Publish Year: 2022
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781773064680
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Ellis