Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Scholastic Press (Scholastic Inc.) [First Edition]
Pages
40
Description
An introduction to the life of Marian Anderson, extraordinary singer and civil rights activist, who was the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera, whose life and career encouraged social change.
Description
A harmonious introduction to one of our country's most important singers and role models--as envisioned by Newbery Honoree Pam Muñoz Ryan and Caldecott Medalist Brian Selznick.
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, and 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, and Selznick's pictures as exquisitely detailed and elaborately designed as a stage set. What emerges most profoundly from their shared vision is a role model of courage.
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, and 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, and Selznick's pictures as exquisitely detailed and elaborately designed as a stage set. What emerges most profoundly from their shared vision is a role model of courage.
Collection
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2002
Physical description
40 p.; 12.25 x 10.25 inches
ISBN
0439269679 / 9780439269674
Similar in this library
Lexile
920L
User reviews
LibraryThing member Mluke04
This is a biography because it tells the story of Marian Anderson. It provides a simplified life story about her that draws the reader in.
The illustrations add a lot to this book. They are very detailed and help create the setting. When the pictures show Marian singing she always has her eyes
Media: Acrylic
The illustrations add a lot to this book. They are very detailed and help create the setting. When the pictures show Marian singing she always has her eyes
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closed and that makes the reader wonder why. The text answers this question after a few pages and gives more insight into Marian's personality. Media: Acrylic
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LibraryThing member teason
I really enjoyed this book. When Marian Sang tells the true story of Marian Anderson. The book takes you on a journey from her childhood, where she got her start singing in church, to her performance at the Metropolitan Opera where she made history by being the first African-American invited to
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perform there. I love the brownish sepia tones that the illustrator used for the color palate of the book. I also liked how lyrics she sang were used to describe the setting of the illustrations. I think this book will help children learn about breaking barriers, like racism, and overcoming obstacles. Show Less
LibraryThing member kikione
This book fills me with emotion. I know of Marian Anderson and this historic concert event because of a study I did of Eleanor Roosevelt. I was made aware of her great talent even then. I am touched, deeply, by her tenacity and bravery. She never gave up. Even though she had huge mountains to climb
This is a beautifully illustrated book by Brian Selznick. I love how he portrays Marian's face with eyes closed on the cover and through the first several pages.
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and obstacles to overcome, she also had tremendous support and encouragement. This is a beautifully illustrated book by Brian Selznick. I love how he portrays Marian's face with eyes closed on the cover and through the first several pages.
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LibraryThing member ShellyCBuchanan
This is a fantastic and moving true story of Marian Anderson and the development of her one-day-world-reknowned voice. It is also the story of prejudice and fear, of how Andersen, despite being turned away from schools and instructors and music halls, followed her dream to sing in the most
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spectacular venues to the largest crowd of people who wanted to hear her sing. This a story of triumph and beauty, one to be shared with people of all ages. Particularly interesting for older readers are the end notes which spell out the research journey of both the author and the illustrator. Each came to the task with fascinating personal stories and personal interest. Also included is a bibliography and discography and a timeline of important events in Marian Anderson's life. Show Less
LibraryThing member kkcrossley
Story of Marian growing up loving to sing. Dealing with racism and working toward her dream of singing for the Metropolitan Opera. Pam Munoz Ryan tells a good story and the illustrations by Brian Selznick are just right.
LibraryThing member sweetiegherkin
When Marian Sang is a beautiful portrayal of the life of African-American singer Marian Anderson. This picture book contains brief episodes highlighting important parts of Marian’s life along with snippets of spiritual lyrics, all harmoniously combined with stunning sepia illustrations that have
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an almost photographic quality to their focus. In describing Marian’s life and career, the book touches upon racial injustices, so it can be used as a teaching tool not only as an individual’s biography but also as glimpse into an era of segregation. Supplementary materials include author and illustrator notes that expand upon Marian’s life details, a bibliography of sorts, a timeline of important dates in Marian’s life, and a selected discography. Overall, this is a remarkable work that makes the reader want to check out that discography to hear Marian sing. Show Less
LibraryThing member malinacoulter
This is a story about a African American women who grew up in the early to mid 1900’s. She was a great singer but because of the way things were back then she was not able to perform in a lot of places. As time went on she was finally able to perform at the venue of her dreams.
This is a great
In the classroom I would like to read aloud a little bit of information about Martin Luther King, since his grave site is one of the venues she performed at. I would also like to find a live recording of Marian actually singing and play it for the class.
This is a great
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true story. I believe it can teach a lot to children. In the story Marian never gave up her dream, even when people looked down upon her. In the end she was able to achieve her dream and go beyond.In the classroom I would like to read aloud a little bit of information about Martin Luther King, since his grave site is one of the venues she performed at. I would also like to find a live recording of Marian actually singing and play it for the class.
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LibraryThing member vlreed02
This biography of Marian Anderson I say is a partial biography because it only offers snippets of her lifetime. Parts of her childhood and parts of her adulthood are discussed. I(t told the story of Marian a great singer who because of Jim crow law could have been held back but she did not let it
I liked this book for a 3rd to 4th grade audience. I would like to see how an audience of tat age responds to the book. The illustrations were beautiful to me it illustrates to keep pushing and never give up on your dreams.
In the class I would have students think of their own dreams and illustrate what they are whether by poem picture of another art show me their dream. I would also have them look her up and other singers of the time who may have had the same problems as her.
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stop her she traveled the world and was the first African American to sing at the metropolitan opera. She had much conflict with finding a place to sing in our capital and with Roosevelt’s approval was given permissions to sing at the Lincoln memorial.I liked this book for a 3rd to 4th grade audience. I would like to see how an audience of tat age responds to the book. The illustrations were beautiful to me it illustrates to keep pushing and never give up on your dreams.
In the class I would have students think of their own dreams and illustrate what they are whether by poem picture of another art show me their dream. I would also have them look her up and other singers of the time who may have had the same problems as her.
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LibraryThing member rdelamatre
This is a beautiful, inspiring, and infromative book about a courageous Afircan-American woman in the time of segregation and deep bias. Informative of the culture and political climate of her era, the book traces her life, successes, and place in the emerging integrated society of the
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mid-twentieth century. Show Less
LibraryThing member HeatherSwinford
This is a great book for visualizing the importance of the Pre-Civil rights times. The book illustrates the opera singer Marian Anderson during the 1939 concert at the Lincoln Memorial, the concert drew a integrated crowd. This book is a wonderful depiction of how the world was and who Marian
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Anderson was. Show Less
LibraryThing member marybetha
This is a nonfiction book that tells the true life story of Marian Anderson who persevered to fulfill her dream of singing, despite the many obstacles that befell her. Her main obstacle was the fact that she was a negro wanting to perform for an audience in a very 'white' world. In the end, she was
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able to perform for thousands of people on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Show Less
LibraryThing member ffox
Beautifully illustrated with sepia tones that seem to drawings of photographs. The story is strong and empowering. I really like this book and am even more pleased to discover "lost" stories from our history.
LibraryThing member donnammccoy
The story of Marian Anderson, an African American girl who grew up in a family where they all sang. The young girl had a broad range, and a beautifully true voice, and she sang with her eyes closed so that she could feel the music. She sang for the church choirs in Philadelphia, and when her
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beloved father died, she sang songs of sorrow. She worked many jobs so that she could go to music school, but was told she could not go because of her color. She took voice lessons in her community, and went to many states to sing. She kept her dignity. When she was denied a chance to try out, she began to sing and the director said she could come in and he would teach her. She ended up singing all over the world. But when she returned to the USA, she was refused use of the concert hall in Washington, DC, because of her color. She became a symbol to her people of what could be done...and could not. Finally President Roosevelt invited her to sing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday. When they heard her sing, everyone, regardless of color, cheered. And then she was invited to sing at the Met, the pinnacle of her dreams. Show Less
LibraryThing member JanelleVeith
A wonderful book to introduce the civil rights movement or to talk about overcoming obstacles to fulfill a dream. The story is moving and inspiring. The illustrations are beautiful.
LibraryThing member laurieleewalsh
Great, accessible historical fiction picture book about a strong and brave woman.
LibraryThing member sprovost
This is a biographical account of the life of Marian Anderson. Not only does it include details about Marian's life, but it also includes lyrics from gospel music that Marian would sing. The book starts by telling about 8 year old Marian and her experience as a marvel in her church choir. It
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follows her life through her application into the school of music, only to be denied entrance due to the color of her skin. Marian became an international singing phenomenon and eventual became honored as an African American singer when she sang at the Lincoln Memorial for an integrated crowd in 1939. Show Less
LibraryThing member nmillsio
37 pages
4-th to 5th Grade
The Robert F. Siebert Honor
Informational Picture Storybook
I enjoyed all aspects of this Sibert medal winning informational book. Ryan and Selznick do a fantastic job of depicting Marian Anderson’s victory over oppression. The writing poignantly delivers the inspirational
The book sticks to facts, and masterfully builds momentum towards the climatic scene of Anderson singing in front of 75,000 people at the Washington Monument in a factual, engaging way. Ryan successfully addresses and describes the relationships in Anderson’s life without inventing dialogue to explain them.
For teaching middle school English, I would probably read my class When Marian Sang as an anticipatory set for a lesson focused on African-American writing. The book addresses early to mid 20th century racism that frequently stymied Anderson’s career. Ryan adds the vocabulary “Negro” and “Colored,” which gives the teacher an opportunity to address political incorrectness of those terms in modern times. The book has many teachable points, and could be employed in a Music, English or African-American History unit.
4-th to 5th Grade
The Robert F. Siebert Honor
Informational Picture Storybook
I enjoyed all aspects of this Sibert medal winning informational book. Ryan and Selznick do a fantastic job of depicting Marian Anderson’s victory over oppression. The writing poignantly delivers the inspirational
Show More
message of freedom that Anderson’s life symbolized. The combination of Ryan’s use of lyrics like, “Where you there when they laid Him in the tomb” and Selznick’s earthy, almost rustic illustrations makes this an aesthetically pleasing read. The book sticks to facts, and masterfully builds momentum towards the climatic scene of Anderson singing in front of 75,000 people at the Washington Monument in a factual, engaging way. Ryan successfully addresses and describes the relationships in Anderson’s life without inventing dialogue to explain them.
For teaching middle school English, I would probably read my class When Marian Sang as an anticipatory set for a lesson focused on African-American writing. The book addresses early to mid 20th century racism that frequently stymied Anderson’s career. Ryan adds the vocabulary “Negro” and “Colored,” which gives the teacher an opportunity to address political incorrectness of those terms in modern times. The book has many teachable points, and could be employed in a Music, English or African-American History unit.
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LibraryThing member creeh
When Marian Sang is a biongraphy of Marian Anderson, an african american vocal prodigy in pre-civil rights America. Marian started from humble beginnings, but soon became a huge part the music industry. she sang for royalty, and the poor. she sang at peace confrences and eventually opera houses.
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she was extremley famous and her presence brought much happiness worldwide. the book pays special attention to the fact that she seemed to be welcomed with every other nation but america, based solely on her skin color. this discrimination bothered many ppl, and so eleanor roosevelt backed her up. and she was able to sing at the lincoln memorial. this book would benefit young singers in that it may give them hope to strive for the impossible. i would be well used to speak about the pre-civil rights era, or maybe looking into music careers of the past. Show Less
LibraryThing member fetta
This was a moving story accompanied by beautiful and engaging illustrations. I have noticed this book on audio tape and wonder if the excerpts from her songs are actually recorded in her voice? This was an excellent read, following the biography on Eleanor Roosevelt, which mentioned her being an
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advocate of Marian Anderson. Both women were true trailblazers! Show Less
LibraryThing member didaly
I chose this book as an introduction to the racism in the history of America for my son, who is white. This book portrays these events realistically but also with beauty and hope present on each page.
LibraryThing member mrcmyoung
Just looking at Brian Selznick's endpapers, you know you're in for something special. An inspiring biography about a gifted singer who broke down barriers of segregation not through direct advocacy, but because people of all races were drawn to her beautiful voice. Selznick illustrations are
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amazing, showing Marian illuminated by rays of light on almost every page. I wish I could have heard her sing. Show Less
LibraryThing member rwilliamson
This beautifully illustrated picture book is a biography of Marian Anderson one of the most important classical singers of the 20th century. After the DAR refused to allow her to perform in Constitution Hall, because of her skin color, Ms Anderson gave a world famous performance for 75,000 people
Ms Ryan anchors the story with hymns and spirituals. Mr. Selznick’s illustration give the feeling of a stage set. This book was a hit with third –fifth grade students paired with youtube.com recordings of Ms Anderson singing the songs from the story.
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at the Lincoln Memorial in April, 1939. Toscanini said she had a voice heard once in a hundred years. Ms Ryan anchors the story with hymns and spirituals. Mr. Selznick’s illustration give the feeling of a stage set. This book was a hit with third –fifth grade students paired with youtube.com recordings of Ms Anderson singing the songs from the story.
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LibraryThing member nbmars
In the early 20th Century, Marion Anderson was one of America's greatest singers, but faced numerous difficulties because of her race. Music schools ignored her applications ("We don't take colored!") and later when she was a professional singer, many venues refused to let her perform in spite of
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her tremendous success and popularity in Europe. The narrative smoothly integrates these biographical details with lyrics from the gospel songs that Anderson made famous, and the emotion behind the lyrics is expertly captured by Selznick. [As you may know, Selznick is the author and illustrator of Hugo Cabret and Wonderstruck. Selznick uses similar techniques in this book to "stage" the scenes he draws, including variations on the angle of sight, elaborate detail, and the look of film stills.] One of the highlights of the book is the two-page depiction of Anderson's concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939. Arranged by Eleanor Roosevelt in reaction to the refusal by the Daughters of the American Revolution to let Anderson sing to an integrated audience in Constitution Hall, the Lincoln Memorial concert drew 75,000 of all colors. [Interestingly, most of the illustrations in the book use only tints of bronze, brown, sepia, and black. Occasionally, a figure is shown in color, such as Marion Anderson when, in 1955, she became the first African-American to perform with the Metropolitan Opera in New York.] The book includes notes by both the author and the illustrator, a timeline and a discography. Show Less
LibraryThing member mhinderlie
summary: Marian was a great singer from the time she was a young girl, she was faced with a lot of difficulties because of her race and color. She did not let this keep her from pursuing her dreams.
genre: biography
Critique: This story uses a true historical figure and tells her story of how she
genre: biography
Critique: This story uses a true historical figure and tells her story of how she
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came to be one of the most famous singers of her time. Show Less
LibraryThing member kathleenandrews
The uphill battle of a gifted African-American singer who had to endure racism as she advanced in her career.
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — 2005)
Commonwealth Club of California Book Awards (Silver Medal — Juvenile — 2002)
Triple Crown Awards (Nominee — 2005)
Monarch Award (Nominee — 2006)
Kentucky Bluegrass Award (Nominee — Grades 3-5 — 2004)
Red Clover Book Award (Nominee — 2004)
Cardinal Cup (Noteworthy — 2003)
William Allen White Children's Book Award (Nominee — Grades 3-5 — 2004-2005)
Orbis Pictus Award (Winner — 2003)
Mitten Award (Honor — 2002)
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Nominee — Picture Books — 2004)
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal (Honor Book — 2003)
Norman A. Sugarman Children’s Biography Award (Winner — 2004)
South Carolina Book Awards (Nominee — Children's Book Award — 2005)
CCBC Choices (2003)
Notable Children's Book (2003)
Call number
J2T.410