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A warm and witty portrait of child prodigy and world-famous classical musician Glenn Gould.
Glenn was a child who knew his own mind — he liked boats but did not like fishing; he enjoyed puns and pranks but did not like bullying; he loved learning but did not like school … but more than anything else he loved to play the piano.
Glenn had a professional performing career by the time he was fifteen; he gave concerts all over the world in his twenties. He became best known for his interpretation of Bach’s Goldberg Variations. But Glenn grew to dislike concerts — the hall was too cold, or he didn’t feel well, or the audience made too much noise (he didn’t even like their applause!). He discovered that when he played and recorded music in an empty concert hall, he could make it sound exactly the way he wanted. He could do what he loved best, while being completely himself.
Sarah Ellis’s beautifully written portrait of Glenn Gould is complemented by Nancy Vo’s gorgeous illustrations, bringing the life and times of this extraordinarily talented musician to readers young and old.
Includes a fascinating author’s note and resources for further information.
Key Text Features
additional information
afterword
author’s note
bibliography
biographical information
biographical note
explanation
facts
further information
further reading
historical context
illustrations
informational note
photographs
sources
vignettes
writing inspiration
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.7
With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear (e.g., what moment in a story an illustration depicts).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7
Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.
“This is a serious and beautiful introduction to a great musician, who was also a gracious and humane man with a particular tenderness toward animals and children … As Glenn as Can Be is a celebration of individuality but also a reminder that, despite Gould's determined solitude, he left an unusually generous legacy to us all.” — New York Times
“Nancy Vo's illustrations have a cool, quirky feel that suits their subject well. Readers ... are likely to be impressed as much by Gould's idiosyncrasy as they are by his artistic dedication.” — Wall Street Journal
“Engaging … An accessible entry into Gould's life for young readers.” — Shelf Awareness, STARRED REVIEW
“Engaging, timeless and cleverly crafted.” — CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“Wonderful ... A book about the necessity and beauty of self-expression, self-love, and self-acceptance.” — Cloud Lake Literary
“ Sarah Ellis and Nancy Vo combine their talents to bring Gould to life for young readers.” — Montreal Gazette