A review by yapha
Clayton Byrd Goes Underground by Rita Williams-Garcia

4.0

Clayton Byrd loves his grandfather, Cool Papa, more than anyone else in the world. He dreams of the day he will be called into a solo like a true Bluesman, but enjoys playing with Cool Papa and his band mates in the meantime. His relationship with Cool Papa is the opposite of the one his mother remembers from her own childhood, still resenting Cool Papa's frequent absences. When Cool Papa dies suddenly, Clayton's devastation is compounded by his mother's insistence on getting rid of everything that belonged to Cool Papa, even things that were promised to Clayton. Unable to deal with his anger and sadness, Clayton runs off to find the Bluesmen, which results in unexpected consequences. This one packs an emotional punch! Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.