Liza Ketchum is the author of The Life Fantastic, a Simon & Schuster book.
"Vaudeville in the early 1900s makes for a thought-provoking
setting for a tale of racial discrimination with direct parallels
to today's issues.... The plot and characters are strong enough to
carry that theme.... Historical fiction, racial discrimination, a
budding love story, and youthful characters make this a fine
additional purchase for libraries." --School Library Journal
"Raised on the road with vaudevillian parents and gifted with a
golden voice, young Teresa LeClair sets out to 'shoot for the
stars--or die trying' in Ketchum's newest historical novel. A
jam-packed ride through early-20th-century performance culture."
--Kirkus Reviews
As seen in the Publishers Weekly African-American Titles for Young
Readers feature
"The Life Fantastic provides a fascinating window into the 1900s
New York vaudeville scene, while examining the complexities of
family support and expectations, as well as burgeoning black
activism ... .Ketchum fits it together seamlessly and
entertainingly. Her love of vaudeville shines through Teresa and
her descriptions of 1913 Broadway, but she does not ignore the
built-in limitations placed on people of color."
*VOYA Magazine*
“Ketchum weaves a gripping story of racial discrimination in the
performing arts … .Ketchum paints a vivid portrait of the difficult
life of a performer and the indignities and prejudice endured by
artists of color … .Lovers of theater and history will find a great
deal to sink their teeth into.”
*Publishers Weekly*
“Ketchum’s new read stars a teen whose beautiful voice takes her
out of her family home to the great New York City. Filled with
young dreams and the realities of racial discrimination, it’s a
story that’s as relevant today as ever.”
*Brit + Co*
“Liza Ketchum creates a story as vibrant as the era itself …
perhaps the greatest strength of the story is the historical
accuracy tangible in the novel. Ketchum manages to capture
the unique flavor and tone of the era of Vaudeville --- the bond of
shared dreams and challenges that connected performers as a family.
a fun and quick read for younger teens.”
*Teenreads*
“Provides much fodder for discussing race relations and the power
of song.”
*Booklist*
“This was a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the vaudeville
circuit … .I love a good historical read, and I can’t advocate
enough for these types of books that combine fiction and history in
positive ways … to be required reading in our schools. Factual
history books are important, sure, but if you can find a realistic
character to empathize with … I think you’re going to be a more
well-rounded person for it. Ketchum brought the 1910s NYC to life,
using real songs and places to bring an air of authenticity to the
novel.”
*Forever Young Adult*
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