Music: A Fold-Out Graphic History

Acclaimed composer and musician Nicholas O’Neill and author Susan Hayes band together to present this oversize nonfiction book, which folds out to an eight-foot illustrated timeline. In densely packed pages, the creators cover instruments, musicians, styles, technology, and innovation around the world, from bone flutes utilized in ancient music to autotune and contemporary beats. Taylor’s richly colored digital art provides endearingly simplified—if not entirely recognizable—illustrations of such varied figures as George Gershwin, Aretha Franklin, the Beatles, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Though likely to overwhelm if consumed in one sitting, this sprawling tome is ripe for perusal by middle graders interested in music history. Back matter includes a glossary, index, compiled playlist, authors’ notes, and a list of principal sources. Ages 10–14. (Nov.)