Making Their Voices Heard

The Inspiring Friendship
Ella Fitzgerald and
Marilyn Monroe

little bee books
(pub. 1.28.2020) 
4o pages

A True Tale with

A Cherry On Top   

A uthor: Vivian Kirkfield
       and illustrator:  Alleanna Harris

 
C haracters: Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe

O verview: 
     

     "Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe. On the outside, you couldn’t find two girls who looked more different. But on the inside, they were alike – full of hopes and dreams and plans of what might be.

     Ella Fitzgerald’s velvety tones and shube-doobie-doos captivated audiences. Jazz greats like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington couldn’t wait to share the stage with her, but still, Ella could not book a performance at one of the biggest clubs in town–one she knew would give her career its biggest break yet.

      Marilyn Monroe dazzled on the silver screen with her baby blue eyes and breathy boo-boo-be-doos. But when she asked for better scripts, a choice in who she worked with, and a higher salary, studio bosses refused.

      Two women whose voices weren’t being heard. Two women chasing after their dreams and each helping the other to achieve them. This is the inspiring, true story of two incredibly talented women who came together to help each other shine like the stars that they are."

T antalizing taste: 
     "Ella was already famous for her voice. But, because of discrimination, not everyone was able to hear it. She told Marilyn that the owner of Hollywood's top nightspot, the Mocambo, refused to hire her.
     Marilyn empathized with Ella. Although she didn't know what it was like to be singled out because of her race, she did know how it felt to be held back because she was a woman. As Ella helped Marilyn find her voice, now Marilyn wanted to do the same for her."

And something more: Vivian Kirkfield's Author's Note explains that both Ella and Marilyn "had difficult childhoods. Both struggled all their lives with shyness, and both had big dreams.
      As a teenager, Ella had no real home. She lived on the streets and spent her time hanging around the Harlem Opera House and the Apollo Theater, watching the dancers, singers and comedy acts...
      As a child, Marilyn lived in nine foster homes, attended six elementary schools, and spent time in an orphanage. She stuttered when she was nervous, and was often quiet around adults. But she had a vivid imagination and loved telling stories to other children. She never complained about going to bed because she would stand on her bed and act out movie scenes."