Audio Books →Clayton Byrd Goes Underground by Rita Williams-Garcia

Clayton feels most alive when he's with his grandfather, Cool Papa Byrd, and the band of Bluesmen-he can't wait to join them, just as soon as he has a blues song of his own. But then the unthinkable happens. Cool Papa Byrd dies, and Clayton's mother forbids Clayton from playing the blues. And Clayton knows that's no way to live.
Armed with his grandfather's brown porkpie hat and his harmonica, he runs away from home in search of the Bluesmen, hoping he can join them on the road. But on the journey that takes him through the New York City subways and to Washington Square Park, Clayton learns some things that surprise him.
National Book Award Finalist *KirkusBest Books of 2017*Horn BookBest Books of 2017*Publishers WeeklyBest Books of 2017 *School Library JournalBest Books of 2017 *NAACP Image AwardsYouth/Teens Winner *Chicago Public Library Best Books *Boston GlobeBest Books of 2017
"This slim novel strikes a strong chord."-Publishers Weekly(starred review)
"This complex tale of family and forgiveness has heart."-School Library Journal(starred review)
"Strong characterizations and vivid musical scenes add layers to this warm family story."-Kirkus Reviews(starred review)
"An appealing, realistic story with frequent elegant turns of phrase." -The Horn Book(starred review)
"Garcia-Williams skillfully finds melody in words." -Booklist(starred review)