So, I ended up switching it off half way through and just reading the book.Īs for the BOOK itself: Marvelous! I love how Ryan conveys such humanity and spirit amidst good historical detail. What I did NOT like: this was NOT actually Marian Anderson's actual performances (I wanted to hear HER voice!) and it took a really, really long time to 'read' with all those songs-some of them were very very slow. What I liked about this: we got to hear the songs from the book-isn't it neat to KNOW what the songs are supposed to sound like, rather than guessing? Especially for something historic. My book came with a companion cassette recording which I thought was just going to be of Marian's famous Lincoln Memorial performance but was actually a narration of the story.

What I liked about this: we got to hear the songs from the book-isn't it neat to KNOW what the songs are supposed to sound like, rather I was so excited to find this book after falling in love with Ryan and Selznick's other book Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride Based on a True Story 'When Marian Sang' did not disappoint! I was so excited to find this book after falling in love with Ryan and Selznick's other book Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride Based on a True Story 'When Marian Sang' did not disappoint! My book came with a companion cassette recording which I thought was just going to be of Marian's famous Lincoln Memorial performance but was actually a narration of the story. I was charmed to see, in the Ovations section, that the author gives thanks to Mary Louise VanDyke, the director of American Hymnology at my alma mater, Oberlin College!. Recommended by my friend Kathryn, When Marian Sang is the kind of well-produced non-fiction that young readers will enjoy, being both informative and entertaining. A three-page afterword includes further historical and biographical information. Brian Selznick, recently awarded the Caldecott Medal for The Invention of Hugo Cabret, contributes gorgeous sepia-toned illustrations. Pam Muñoz Ryan's narrative flows well, and will involve the young reader in this story of a woman whose beautiful voice could not be silenced by adversity. Brian Selznick, recently awarded the Caldecott Medal for The Invention of Hugo Cabret, contributes gorgeous sepia-toned il A lovely picture-book biography of Marian Anderson, from her childhood in Philadelphia, her years in Europe, and her return to the United States, where she gave her famous concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. What emerges most profoundly from their shared vision is a role model of courage.moreĪ lovely picture-book biography of Marian Anderson, from her childhood in Philadelphia, her years in Europe, and her return to the United States, where she gave her famous concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. 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. 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.

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 showcas 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. 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 music study center