A New Orleans community helps one family raise their rent — by raising the roof! When Sonny’s mom is “let go” from work, there’s just no way to pay the rent. Sonny tries to help by shoveling coal, but the ten cents he earns isn’t enough. Smilin’ Jack, a trumpet player, offers to plan a rent party to raise the needed money. Neighbors bring food to eat and then sing and dance as Smilin’ Jack plays jazz. As the party heats up, guests toss coins in a bucket and their collection raises the rent money — and the community’s spirits! This book also includes a history of rent parties, which were common in African-American neighborhoods in the 1920s and ’30s.