Under Pressure: Freddie Mercury’s Countdown to Fame
MY THOUGHTS
Under Pressure is a quasi-counting picture book biography that focuses on Rock music’s legendary Freddie Mercury’s first concert for his schoolmates when he was in boarding school. This is a story about rising above pressure and loneliness, facing up to bullies, and finally showing the world that you were born to be a legend.
The book begins with Ten minutes to go, as young Farrokh Bulsara waits nervously backstage. The story then counts down with Farrokh realising he has nine songs to sing and that he has been away in boarding school for eight months. Every day of the week, he faces bullies who mock him for his buck teeth. But then, he sees hope in the form of his six friends who show up to cheer him on!
Shyamala Shanmugasundaram writes a book that will have you cheering for Farrokh Bulsara, even if you are not a Queen fan. This traces the story of a nervous little boy who finds the strength to pursue his passion and grows up to become the legend we all know as Freddie Mercury. The story shows us that we all need to start somewhere. The beauty of Shyamala’s book lies not only in the fact that this picture book is about strength, perseverance, passion, and the importance of friendships, but also that this book is for all age groups. Early readers will enjoy the countdown to the last page. Middle-grade readers will connect with school politics and the aspiration to prove what they are good at. Older readers will love a look back at Freddie Mercury’s childhood and a peek at what made him a legend. I love that this book talks about young Farrokh gaining confidence through music and having the courage to take that bold step forward towards his passion. It introduces children to music history and piques their interest to find out more. The title of the book, Under Pressure, reminds the reader of the famous Queen and David Bowie collaboration that talks about the crushing pressure humans feel from modern life and societal expectations and how the only way to deal with that is through love and friendship. I love that Shyamala has tied the theme of the book to this title song!
I am a huge fan of Pankaj Saikia’s work, and this book proves once again blew min mind. His illustrations are dynamic and energetic, almost leaping off the page! Using blacks, blues, reds, and yellows, he creates so many emotions — longing and loneliness, desperation, nervousness, pain, and finally victory! Pankaj makes Farrokh Bulsara come alive with the way he illustrates his expression, and our hearts go out to the young boy time and again.
This is a book that will be a gorgeous addition to your child’s library. Follow it up with a Queen playlist and relive the magic once again!
If you think your child would enjoy this book, you can buy it here →
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