A stirring look at the early life of Johnny Cash, from his harsh but music-filled childhood to the first flush of stardom.

There’s never been anyone like music legend Johnny Cash. His deep voice is instantly recognizable, and his heartfelt songs resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. G. Neri captures Johnny’s story in beautiful free verse, portraying an ordinary boy with an extraordinary talent who grew up in extreme poverty, faced incredible challenges, and ultimately found his calling by always being true to the gift of his voice. A. G. Ford’s luscious paintings of the dramatic southern landscape of Johnny Cash’s childhood illuminate this portrait of a legend, taking us from his humble beginnings to his enormous success on the world stage.

Creators

G. Neri is the author of Ghetto Cowboy, winner of a Horace Mann Upstanders Book Award. He also wrote Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty, which received a Coretta Scott King Author Honor, and Chess Rumble, awarded a Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award. G. Neri lives in Florida.

A. G. Ford has illustrated many picture books, including Goal! by Mina Javaherbin and Desmond and the Very Mean Word by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. A. G. Ford lives in Dallas, Texas.

Awards

Florida Reading Association Children’s Book Award
Virginia Library Association Jefferson Cup Award
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