Moving and Grooving to Fillmore’s Beat, by Rachel Warner

 

Publication August 1, 2023

I've got to admit, I elected to review this book out of curiosity to see how they'd handle explaining the Fillmore district to the target age given, 5-8.  Given its raucous history, I felt that might be a chore. What author Warner has done, however, is focus more on the aura and meaning of the music, art, and words set free there than the history of the Fillmore district itself. I'm still fuzzy on whether most children in the target age range will have even heard of Fillmore, let along be curious about it or, for that matter, the artists mentioned. That's not to say the book is bad, just a bit bewildering to this adult mind. 

That said, I can fully see this one finding a home with music oriented parents or teachers, maybe even music departments in higher level facilities. It gives a strong sense of inclusion and diversity, all with a bit of the magic of music detailed. Using a basic pallet of color, the illustrations by Jerrard K. Polk are nicely done and give a sense of the Fillmore area through several decades. The people shown are of different races, all seen interacting and enjoying the aura of the Fillmore together. I loved the touch of the music notes drifting in a starry sky and the changes in dress and even car designs as we move from decade to decade. You get a feel for the area in the slanted streets and trolley cars, too. Harmony and understanding, ie acceptance, to steal from a song lyric, dominate as people are shown coming together and enjoying the scene from their windows or a park. In other words, the image of peace and love all set to music. 

I enjoyed the book, especially since it handled the aura of the district rather than the sometimes harsh reality that invaded it at times. No sex, drugs, and barely a mention of rock'n'roll here. Oddly enough, I learned more about the history of the actual Fillmore district in the brief bit at the end, noting the district became popular after being one of the few to survive the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. It became a bit of an oasis for many, calling some to dub it the Harlem of the West. 

Bottom line, while unsure about the target audience, it was a nicely done bit of history with a message of harmony. 32 pages, target audience 5-8.