When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson

Our 10 year old was drawn into this book by its cover art. She was magically drawn into the engaging story and magnificent art that brought a gasp of awe with each slowly turned page. The message has a powerful and inspirational history lesson as well as carefully researched details by both author and illustrator. We loved the detailed "Encore" at the end describing the legwork and charming stories that led to a real keeper of a book. Don't miss this one!

When this book first came out, I was ecstatic that someone took the time to make the life of Marian Anderson accessible to children. Too often classical singers of the Civil Rights era are overlooked and forgotten. The combination of the gorgeous illustrations and lovely text make this book exceptional. Although not the easiest book for children to read on their own, as a read-aloud in a classroom setting, it can make an incredible impact. It is an excellent book to incite discussion on many subjects and it truly inspires children to pursue their dreams despite the troubles they may face. The timeless lyrics interwoven within the story comment wonderfully on Marian's life and the perseverance with which she dealt with her struggles. The beauty of this book is that it focuses on the accomplishments of her life and the overcoming of disappointments, not the actual disappointments themselves. This lack of sensationalism gives the book dignity. This is definitely one book that I will treasure and hope to share many times over with students in my own classroom.

WHEN MARIAN SANG beautifully depicts the life of Marian Anderson, a wonderful singer who broke racial barriers to become one of the most world-renowned performers. The story tells of her humble upbringing in Philadelphia and the support she garnered from her family, her church, and her community. It also tells of the discrimination that Marian faced when trying to learn music and later when she attempted to perform. Yet, Marian persevered. She went to Europe where she received so much attention and acclaim that it was said the people suffered from "Marian Fever." She later returned to the United States, and fought prejudices and discrimination by performing at the Lincoln Memorial. She was finally able to break down racial barriers and perform at the Metropolitan Opera. At last, Marian felt free to sing.WHEN MARIAN SANG is an inspirational and educational biography of a great performer. The book gives details in a poignant, yet simplistic way that people of all ages will be able to appreciate. The illustrations are truly breathtaking. I enjoyed the fact that verses of songs that Marian sang were intertwined within the text to add depth to the story. I was also impressed with the detailed information about Marian's life and the fact that her discography was included in the back of the book. Pam Munoz Ryan and Brian Selznick have done an excellent job in telling the story of Marian Anderson. I look forward to future works from this dynamic duo.Reviewed by Latoya Carter-QawiyyThe RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

I really enjoyed the book When Marian Sang, by Pam Munoz Ryan, illustrated by Biran Selznick. I think it should have won the Caldecott 2003 award. It is a very good biography! The book is so detailed. It is a book for an older child. It has a great plot and is a true story. It is about an African-American woman who has a beautiful voice, but doesn't get a fair chance to show off her talent because she is a different race. It is a wonderful biography. The book tells the story first, and then in the back it states the facts. It is easier to understand what happened without all the dates tossed into the main story. It is a great biography for children to start understanding how to read a biography. I loved the book When Marian Sang!

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."