The Minstrel's Melody (Mysteries Through Time)

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.

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
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