Born blind into a life of slavery, Thomas Wiggins was dismissed as a "useless burden." But through the loving protection of his family, he went on to become one of the greatest musicians of his time. From Tom's childhood on a plantation to his performances in the concert halls of Europe, Glenda Armand shares the beautiful and at times heartbreaking story of a long-overlook Born blind into a life of slavery, Thomas Wiggins was dismissed as a "useless burden." But through the loving protection of his family, he went on to become one of the greatest musicians of his time. From Tom's childhood on a plantation to his performances in the concert halls of Europe, Glenda Armand shares the beautiful and at times heartbreaking story of a long-overlooked musical great, the love that supported him, and the struggle for freedom.
Song in a Rainstorm: The Story of Musical Prodigy Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins
Born blind into a life of slavery, Thomas Wiggins was dismissed as a "useless burden." But through the loving protection of his family, he went on to become one of the greatest musicians of his time. From Tom's childhood on a plantation to his performances in the concert halls of Europe, Glenda Armand shares the beautiful and at times heartbreaking story of a long-overlook Born blind into a life of slavery, Thomas Wiggins was dismissed as a "useless burden." But through the loving protection of his family, he went on to become one of the greatest musicians of his time. From Tom's childhood on a plantation to his performances in the concert halls of Europe, Glenda Armand shares the beautiful and at times heartbreaking story of a long-overlooked musical great, the love that supported him, and the struggle for freedom.
Compare
36 review for Song in a Rainstorm: The Story of Musical Prodigy Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins
Related products
Organic Beauty Products Box Set (6 in 1)
Natural Remedies Box Set (4 in 1): Essential Oils, Epsom Salt and Other DIY Organic Beauty and Household Products (DIY Beauty Products & Household Hacks)
DIY Beauty Box Set (6 in 1): Natural Beauty Products, Organic Scin Care, Essential Oils Recipes, Epsom Salt Magic and Homemade Deodorants for Your Awesome Looks (DIY Natural Beauty Products)
Best Hacks and DIY Box Set (12 in 1)
Natural Beauty Box Set (4 in 1)
DIY for Your Body Box Set (11 in 1): Essential Oils, Lotions, Epsom Salt, Coconut Oil, Deodorants and Other Wonderful, Easy and Cheap Body Care Recipes (DIY Beauty Products)
Herbs and Natural Products Box Set (12 in 1)
Vernon Area Public Library KIDS –
Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins was born into slavery on a Georgia plantation in 1849. At the age of six, Tom was able to play his first composition entitled Rainstorm and when he was eleven years old he became the first Black artist to perform at the White House. During the Civil War, people living in the south were going to concert halls to see Tom perform and when he was 17, he went to Europe for a tour and delighted audiences with his musical talent. Readers will enjoy this picture book about how Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins was born into slavery on a Georgia plantation in 1849. At the age of six, Tom was able to play his first composition entitled Rainstorm and when he was eleven years old he became the first Black artist to perform at the White House. During the Civil War, people living in the south were going to concert halls to see Tom perform and when he was 17, he went to Europe for a tour and delighted audiences with his musical talent. Readers will enjoy this picture book about how Tom’s natural affinity for hearing the sounds of nature as a child transformed his life and he became a professional and famous musician . The Author's Note has more information about Tom's life and family along with Resources and Selected Sources. This title is available as an e-book on Hoopla. Reviewed by: Liz Glazer, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
Danielle –
This is another historical Black icon that I wasn't familiar with, but am grateful to know now. Wiggins' talent and everything he accomplished is awe-inspiring and I'm definitely going to look into his story more. This is another historical Black icon that I wasn't familiar with, but am grateful to know now. Wiggins' talent and everything he accomplished is awe-inspiring and I'm definitely going to look into his story more.
Mutually Inclusive –
Songs in A Rainstorm by Glenda Armand is an amazing picture book biography of Thomas Wiggins, also known as Blind Tom. I have to admit, I didn’t know much about Thomas Wiggins before I read this book, and I’m so disappointed in myself because his story is so incredibly inspiring! Thomas Wiggins was born without sight to enslaved parents in 1849. Thomas was what we would today call a musical savant. Shortly after Tom was born, his parents learned that their owner, Wiley Jones, planned to sell some o Songs in A Rainstorm by Glenda Armand is an amazing picture book biography of Thomas Wiggins, also known as Blind Tom. I have to admit, I didn’t know much about Thomas Wiggins before I read this book, and I’m so disappointed in myself because his story is so incredibly inspiring! Thomas Wiggins was born without sight to enslaved parents in 1849. Thomas was what we would today call a musical savant. Shortly after Tom was born, his parents learned that their owner, Wiley Jones, planned to sell some of his slaves. Fearing for their son, Tom’s parents secretly reached out to General James Bethune to prearrange their sale to him, due to his reputation as a “fair man”. The family was sold together, and Jones threw Tom in for free, calling him a “useless burden” But Jones was wrong. Tom was blind, but he was never useless. At the age of four, General Bethune’s daughters began to teach Tom to speak, and eventually to play the piano. When Bethune heard how well Tom played and how quickly he learned, he saw a business opportunity and began to manage Tom’s career as a professional musician. Against all odds, Thomas Wiggins followed his passion for music. Tom wowed audiences across the world and was the first African American to perform in the White House. I absolutely love the illustrations in this book. Brittany Jackson really brought Tom and his story to life. But my favorite part of Songs In a Rainstorm has to be the honesty. It doesn’t shy away from the ugly truths, like the reality of slavery or the fact that Bethune took the majority of the fortune Tom earned. I would highly recommend this book, especially for any little ones who are showing an interest in music. I would like to thank Albert Whitman & Company for providing me with a review copy of Songs In a Rainstorm. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to learn more about Thomas Wiggins and his story. Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads | Storygraph
Doe Boyle –
This lively book, punctuated by boldface words that reflect the sounds that blind pianist Thomas Wiggins was able to recreate on a keyboard, is a fascinating look at the life and remarkable talent of a person with unique gifts and formidable circumstances. Enslaved since birth and deprived of the astonishing income he produced through his musical performances, Tom will inspire many readers to prevail against their own challenges--and to align themselves in advocacy for those who are exploited. T This lively book, punctuated by boldface words that reflect the sounds that blind pianist Thomas Wiggins was able to recreate on a keyboard, is a fascinating look at the life and remarkable talent of a person with unique gifts and formidable circumstances. Enslaved since birth and deprived of the astonishing income he produced through his musical performances, Tom will inspire many readers to prevail against their own challenges--and to align themselves in advocacy for those who are exploited. The illustrations here are charming and cheerful, but they also subtly reveal the injustice and challenge of a life in which personal agency and achievement was hard won--and completely astonishing. Glenda Armand and Brittany Jackson have made this story brilliantly accessible to young readers.
Pam –
I received an electronic ARC from Albert Whitman & Company through Edelweiss+. Elementary level biography that draws readers into the world of slavery and the risks for those who were differently abled at the time. Tom was born blind and his mother did her best to protect him by convincing a different master to purchase the family. As he grew, both families observed his musical talent. Armand does not mask the exploitation by the Bethune and his family. Tom was marketed and performed but did not I received an electronic ARC from Albert Whitman & Company through Edelweiss+. Elementary level biography that draws readers into the world of slavery and the risks for those who were differently abled at the time. Tom was born blind and his mother did her best to protect him by convincing a different master to purchase the family. As he grew, both families observed his musical talent. Armand does not mask the exploitation by the Bethune and his family. Tom was marketed and performed but did not reap the benefits of his talent. Lovely illustrations reveal Tom's world as Armand spins out the tale of his life. Informative text included at the end along with resources for further study.
Jenn Adams –
A smidge long, but lovely story. Art was solid. Surprised I've never heard of him! Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. A smidge long, but lovely story. Art was solid. Surprised I've never heard of him! Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Melanie Gaum –
Gorgeous illustrations in this book about the blind piano prodigy Thomas Wiggins. The slave owner and his family were depicted a little too nicely, in my opinion, however.
Melissa –
4.5
Jessica –
An important story that centers the brilliance and creativity of musical genius Tom Wiggins who was born blind and enslaved. A powerful, much needed picture book narrative.
Kelly –
An outstanding picture book biography! I felt a strong connection to Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins almost immediately and it was a joy to watch him grow and excel throughout the book. Highly recommend. An outstanding picture book biography! I felt a strong connection to Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins almost immediately and it was a joy to watch him grow and excel throughout the book. Highly recommend.
leah wood –
Caralen –
Elise Johnson –
Sarah –
Annalisa –
Elizabeth –
A –
Dylan Teut –
Olisha –
Kimberly Wright Oelkers –
Keir Bridges –
Jennifer –
Melissa Flanagin –
Carlos –
Hunter –
Marti Anderson –
Karen Michele Burns –
J L –
Sondra Presley –
Stacia –
Malissa –
Carolyn –
Elizabeth –
Lisa –
Debbie Rodych –
Christa –