Rent Party Jazz

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PARENT-TEACHER GUIDE

Rent Party Jazz

Average Rating: 0.0

Country: USA

Author: Viola Davis

Illustrator: Charlotte Riley-Webb

Ages: 5-8

Publisher: Lee & Low Books

Story Source: Storyline Online

About The Story

Set in 1930s New Orleans, Rent Party Jazz tells the soulful story of Sonny and his single mother. Mama works in a fish canning factory, and Sonny helps the coal man before school. When Mama loses her job, the risk of losing their home looms large. Hope arrives when Sonny meets Smilin’ Jack, a street jazz musician who offers to play music in their house to help raise the money for the rent. Neighbors gather, filling the house with music and dance. Before they leave, they drop some coins in a bucket. Sonny learns how people can help one another “if they put their minds and hearts to it.”

Themes

Family & Friends

Community

Sub Themes

Poverty

Community Support

Jazz Music

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

- Understand the value of community and support during tough times.
- Appreciate how music and cultural traditions can uplift people.
- Recognize the challenges faced by single‑parent families.
- Reflect on empathy and generosity as tools for change.
- Explore the universal language of music and its cultural expressions around the world.
- Understand that helping others is a shared human value found in every country.

Activities

1. Jazz Collage: Create a collage with drawings or magazine clippings featuring words like music, hope, and community. Play jazz while students work.
2. Rent Party Roleplay: Host a mini classroom “Rent Party” with student‑made posters, music, and creative fundraising ideas for a local cause.
3. What Is a Home? Discuss what “home” means. Talk about homelessness and how it can happen for many reasons—not always in someone’s control.
4. Global Music Day: Explore musical styles from around the world (samba, reggae, k‑pop, taarab, etc.) and how they reflect each culture’s spirit and values.

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

- What do you think life was like during the Great Depression in the USA?
- What is jazz? How do you feel when you listen to music?
- Do you know any styles of music from other countries?

During reading

- How did Sonny and his mom cope with their situation?
- Why was Smilin’ Jack’s music important?
- How did the neighbors respond?

After reading

- Have you ever seen your community come together to help someone?
- What part of the story stood out to you the most?
- Why is kindness powerful—even when we don’t have much?
- Can you think of ways people help one another in other parts of the world?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 1 — No Poverty

Highlights economic insecurity and creative survival strategies.

SDG 5 — Gender Equality

Portrays the strength and leadership of a single mother.

SDG 10 — Reduced Inequalities

Emphasizes the value of inclusive and supportive communities.

SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities

Community‑led solutions in urban settings promote sustainable living.

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