Book: My Voice is a Trumpet

Blog post written and submitted by Kayla Davitt, MT-BC 

“Voices are powerful, and together they’re strong, like the musical notes of a beautiful song.”

Think about it. Each person has a voice. When voices come together, it can sometimes be chaos. But, it can oftentimes be powerful! Jimmie Allen’s new children’s book My Voice is a Trumpet describes in rhyming verse how all people have voices and voices are strong when brought together to support an important cause or idea. Together with illustrations by Cathy Ann Johnson, Allen’s storybook depicts how people of all ages can use their voices to “stand up for what’s right and know what feels wrong.”

One of the most important points (at least to me) that Allen makes in his new book is that no one’s voice is the same. Voices can be loud, quiet, young, or old. A person may need to use gestures, sign language, or a communication device in order to be heard. It’s important to celebrate our differences and treat each other with kindness and compassion.

As February is International Build Self-Esteem Month as well as Black History Month, I believe it’s extremely important to discuss with your child that it’s okay to be different from others. They may talk differently, walk differently, or look different compared to their peers or those around them. Jimmie Allen’s book makes it a point to state that we can all be brought together in spite of our differences.

When reading this book with your child, here are a few questions to keep in mind:

Comparing your voice to a trumpet

How can your voice sound like a trumpet? Should your voice always be loud? Trumpets can play music that is loud and powerful, but they can also play music that is soft and sweet. When should your voice be loud and powerful? When should your voice be quiet?

Recognizing differences in others

All of us have different voices, but we can all come together to stand up for what we believe in. Do you know someone who speaks a different language or uses a different way to communicate? Even though that person may have a voice different from yours, theirs is just as important!

How will you use your voice?

What can you use your voice for? Many people use their voices to stand up to bullies, to help save the planet, or to speak peace for all people. What is one way you can use your voice to make a difference in your community?

My Voice is a Trumpet is Jimmie Allen’s first book, but he made history as the first Black artist to have two consecutive number one hits on the country music charts! In addition to the creation of this book, Jimmie Allen also wrote a companion song of the same name: “My Voice is A Trumpet.” This song expresses the importance of being kind and also recognizing that “you’re beautiful the way that you are.” As you listen to this song with your child, discuss with them what makes them beautiful. Remind them they are beautiful the way they are, no matter what.

We hope you enjoy reading this book with your child during International Build Self-Esteem Month as well as Black History Month! If you wish to purchase this book on Amazon, you can do so here.

Happy reading!