When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson

When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson
by Pam Munoz Ryan, Brian Selznick

When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson
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Book Summary Information

Author: Brian Selznick, Pam Munoz Ryan
Brand: Scholastic Inc.
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2002-10-01
ISBN: 0439269679
Number of pages: 40
Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Reviews of When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson

Book Review: Introducing Marian Anderson.....
Summary: 5 Stars

The dynamic duo that brought us Amelia And Eleanor Go For A Ride are back with an amazing new picture book biography of the great contralto, Marian Anderson. From her humble beginnings in South Philadelphia, to her great success in Europe, "Marian Fever," and the famous 1939 concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, to her momentous debut, at the age of 57, with the Metropolitan Opera, Pam Munoz Ryan highlights Marian's long and remarkable career, and paints a vivid and riveting portrait of her struggle with the humiliation of racism and prejudice in America. "...When she arrived at her destination, she often sang the same program twice, to separate audiences - one white and one black - or to segregated groups, whites in the best seats and blacks in the balcony. Many times, she was welcomed enthusiastically by her audiences, and then could not get a hotel room because she was Negro." Her great dignity and courage was an inspiration to all, and she worked hard to make life better for future African American performers. "...Marian sang for kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers, famous composers and conductors. She received medals, awards, and honorary degrees for her magnificent voice. But there was still one place Marian had not sung..." Ms Munoz Ryan's eloquent text is both poignant and uplifting, and complemented by Brian Selznick's powerfully evocative and emotional artwork in warm, old photograph-like sepia tones. Together, word and art captures the life and times of Marian Anderson, and brings them to life on the page. With an author's and illustrator's note at the end to further illuminate and enlighten, When Marian Sang is perfect for youngsters 7 and older, and is a stunning masterpiece that shouldn't be missed. "On opening night excitement charged the air. As Marian waited in the wings, the orchestra began. Her stomach fluttered. She walked onto the grand stage. Trembling, she straightened her costume and waited for the pounding music she knew to be her cue. Tonight was her debut with the Metropolitan Opera. At long last, she had reached the sun and the moon. The curtains parted... and Marian sang."

Summary of When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson

A harmonious introduction to one of our country's most important singers--as envisioned by two of our industry's most important voices. Wide trade & institutional appeal.

Marian Anderson is best known for her historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, which drew an integrated crowd of 75,000 people in pre-Civil Rights America. While this momentous event showcased the uniqueness of her voice, the strength of her character, & the struggles of the times in which she lived, it is only part of her story. Like the operatic arias Marian would come to sing, Ryan's text is as moving as a libretto, & Selznick's pictures as exquisitely detailed & elaborately designed as a stage set. What emerges most profoundly from their shared vision is a role model of courage.

As this skilled duo did with Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride, Pam Muņoz Ryan and Brian Selznick bring to life the story of yet another remarkable American woman, gifted black contralto Marian Anderson.

Undoubtedly one of America's greatest singers, Anderson was hardly known in her own country because of her race--music schools ignored her applications ("We don't take colored!") and even after she began singing professionally, many venues only featured white performers. Ryan's well-paced story becomes especially poignant as she recounts Anderson's overwhelming success in Europe ("one newspaper in Sweden called it 'Marian Fever' ... In Austria, the world-famous conductor Arturo Toscanini announced that what he had heard, one was privileged to hear only once in a hundred years"). The book reaches its climax with a wordless, deep brown two-page spread from Selznick, a crowd's-eye view of Anderson singing at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, an historic concert that drew an integrated audience of over 75,000.

Ryan's simple, metered text (punctuated frequently by lyrics) captures the quiet drama of Anderson's story, and kids will especially identify with the confusion and frustration of young Marian. And as with the pair's previous collaboration, Selznick's rich illustrations ably convey the undeniable strength and courage of a talented, determined woman. (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes

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