When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson by Pam Muñoz Ryan

When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson Reviews

• 
  Abigail

  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. 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 illustrations. A three-page afterword includes further historical and biographical information.
  
  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. 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!
• 
  Kathryn

  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. 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. 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. So, I ended up switching it off half way through and just reading the book.
  
  As for the BOOK itself: Marvelous! I love how Ryan conveys such humanity and spirit amidst good historical detail. I thought this was a wonderful and balanced portrayal of an amazingly talented woman who also happened to become an idol of the civil rights cause (as the historical notes state, she was not always comfortable with this designation!) This is not a "poor me" story, despite the obsticles she faced. Selznick's artwork is so captivating and moving--I absolutely loved it! You can almost HEAR Marian sing just by looking at her soulful eyes and expressions.
  
  Be sure you read the notes at the back of the book. Selznick's actually brought tears to my eyes!!!
  
  After I finished this, I went on YouTube to find some of Marian's performance so I could actually hear HER sing. Quite moving. I highly recommend the whole reading/listening experience!
• 
  (NS) Lisa

  Marian loved to sing and she did it very well. This story describes the talents and struggles of a gifted singer, in the times of racial barriers in the 20th century. We follow Marian from her childhood, singing in church, through her rejection to a music school that refused to take her because of her color, to her success despite the challenges of racism and prejudice.
  We find that Marian Anderson is best known for her historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, which drew an integrated crowd of over 75,000 people in pre-Civil Rights America. While this momentous event showcased the uniqueness of her character, and the struggles of the times in which she lived, it is only part of her story.
  The book is organized to tell the story of Marian Anderson first, and then states all the historical facts at the end so that students can make the connection of Marian's life to what was going on in the world. It is easier to understand the story line without all the dates tossed into the main plot. This is a great biography to teach students how biographies work, and how to introduce the key components within a a good biographical story.
  This story would be appropriate for students in third through sixth grades.
• 
  Matthew

  To check out my review:
  http://dancinginth3dark.blogspot.com
  
  It amazes me how this famous opera singer never graces the pages of history books in terms of historical and remarkable tale of overcoming struggles in the United States. I remember vividly reading this book in my civics class and being enchanted by the story, how relatable Marian Anderson is, and how I never came across her name before reading this book. I couldn't believe this story to be true and I wish they would make a movie out of her character. If they could cast anyone for the role of Marian hands down I have to say Audra McDonald.
  
  Audra McDonald has the looks, the talent, and the capability of tapping into Marian and bringing her story to life and definitely Oscar-Winning performance. Marian predates Martin Luther King Jr. and yet both their performances have changed a nation. I applaud the author of writing this story and beautiful illustrations to make the story colorful and relevant in the 21st century.
  
  We meet Marian Anderson who has the natural gift to sing. She grows up in the church and as time passes she dreams of being a singer particularly an Opera Singer. The only exception is she's poor and sadly black in the early 20th century. It was never heard of a black person to sing Opera let alone sell sold out concerts between the prejudice they suffer both professionally and in society. Marian is desperate to accomplish her dreams and yet they seem so far away from accomplishing.
  
  No teacher wants to accept her to a music school because of the color of her skin, she has to work to support her family since her father passed away early in her life, and luckily the church will pay for her private lessons because they believe in her dreams and are willing to donate to the church. I've never seen that religious experience before and regardless whether you are religious or not I believe we need that in our community. We should take care of our own and help others to aspire to their dreams especially children.
  
  Then the magical event happens is when she discovers a famous opera singer who is accepting students for private lessons and she is granted the opportunity to work with him and she trains hard to become the singer she is meant to be. After two years of lessons she is prepared to make the next move and that means to travel to Europe where it's easier to land roles and feel free of living in a country and not worry about the color of your skin.
  
  She becomes a overnight sensation in the opera world and decides to make the passage back to the States and immediately she suffers the consequences of racism in America. No hotels would allow her to check in, concert halls refuse to accept her, and she has to perform separate concerts for whites only and then for the color people.
  
  One event that help fuel the fire allowed her to get press coverage and the chance of the lifetime to perform a concert at the Lincoln Memorial. The President of the United States and the 1st lady gave the permission to allow this event. This was never heard of in history which is part of the reason Dr. King used the venue during the civil rights moment and thousands show up to witness Marian Anderson. Everyone of every color and race show up to this event and she makes history. Years later she will break another record as the first African-American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera.
  
  This book gave me all the feels the first time I read it and reading it for the second time I felt the same magic again. It always fascinates me when obstacles are presented to some people and how they careful analyze their choices and pick the different path that will help them achieve their dreams and more. In the beginning you connect with Marian and believe it's not possible for her to accomplish her goals and more and yet fate would present itself and by making the right connections at the right time, new doors of opportunities opened themselves up and allowed Marian to become an Opera Singer. Her goal was to just perform opera and yet she broke records never heard of in history and people should know about her and her story.
  
  I cannot rave enough about this book and I suggest everyone to check out this book and read it! Cannot wait for the day when they turn her story into a movie...
• 
  Agata Wilusz

  Absolutely loved this picturebook biography if Marian Anderson's life and struggle to be heard as an African American singer. I was saddened to learn that although she was American she was not allowed to perform in many places or treated with the dignity all people deserve, but that she was able to get and do all of those things overseas! Marian was very determined and persevered to achieve her dreams, and not only that, but she also used her platform to help others. This was a quick and easy read that I highly recommend!
• 
  Cora

  Beautiful illustrations and and well written. More appropriate for 4th-7th grade.
• 
  Jennifer Tarr

  I did enjoy WHEN MARIAN SANG. I did not know Marian Anderson before reading it and wish, now, I could meet her. The plot and theme were similar to a dozen African-American Athlete stories that have been written or made into television shows and movies. Yet this touched me more—perhaps it was the lyrics that peppered the pages, or the idea that “high art” such as opera, might transcend street violence or prejudice, or the fact that she was accepted internationally before she was accepted at home (an irony that always confounds and upsets me). In this way, the author selected a good topic, one I grew to care about. I also believe the author and illustrator together conveyed a quiet confidence and enduring spirit that gave dignity to this woman. The unfairness of prejudice was conveyed—with sadness, but not bitterness…which may be authentic, I don’t know for sure. But the result was a powerful, piece--I was proud of her triumph at singing at the Met. I was proud for Marian, and I was proud of Americans for evolving their thinking and opening their eyes, ears and hearts. For me, this was an award winner.
• 
  Valerie Lurquin

  When Marian Sang is a great book for students in the upper elementary grades and studying music. Marian Anderson was one of the United States most important singers who is known for her concert at the Lincoln Memorial is 1939. She drew a diverse crowd of over 75,000 people together! She has such an incredible story beyond the power of her voice, her character and ability to see beyond race, and the struggles and ignorance with which she survived through. The book begins with sharing her story as an 8 year old girl in her church choir and takes you through her life. The illustrations and narration work effortlessly to depict a beautiful picture of her life. There are several vocabulary words through this story for students to research and find the meaning of as they are reading.
• 
  Luann

  This book was a work of love from both author and illustrator. The text is very lyrical and beautifully matches the illustrations. Brian Selznick's very warm and luminous illustrations are reminiscent of Kadir Nelson's. And I appreciated them even more after reading the illustrator's note at the end. Now I need to go find some of the CDs listed in the discography at the end so I can hear Marian Anderson sing!
• 
  Krista the Krazy Kataloguer

  Her story is so inspiring! I only wish a CD had accompanied this book so that I could listen to her singing. Brian Selznick's illustrations are beautiful in their shades of brown, especially the gorgeous two-page spreads at the end of the book. Made me want to read more about her. Highly recommended!
• 
  Jennifer Cochran

  This was a very touching and motivating story detailing the life and determination of Marian Anderson. This book was a very compelling read, and as I read and admired the artwork by Brian Selznick, I kept thinking and repeating the expression, "When one door closes, a window opens." That phrase could not be more true for Marian Anderson. Even as a young child, all Marian ever wanted to do was sing, but she was born during a time when her skin color stopped her from achieving her dream. This book details her journey of perseverance to be a world-renown singer, and teaches the lesson that something worthwhile is always achievable in the end.
  
  This book can be classified as a biography, and is appropriate for a read-aloud for grades 2-4. Students who are entering grade 5 would also appreciate this story as a read-aloud, but it could also be read independently at that age. I absolutely love this book as a read-aloud and it can be taken in so many directions in the classroom. In my 3rd grade classroom, I would love to use this text during February and talk with my students about how they will want to leave their mark on this world. Marian Anderson was the first African American woman to sing in the Constitution Hall, and she opened up so many opportunities for others to follow their dreams and believe the possible. She left her mark not only on our country, but our world, and I want my students to think big about their mark as well. This book is an excellent story to teach my students about perseverance, determination, and the power of dreaming big! I want my students to dream and believe in their future, and hopefully this story gives them the motivation they need to reach for the stars. I would also use this book in my class to have really great discussion and compare our world now to Marian's world then. I would be interested to hear them brainstorm and discuss the similarities and differences, and what challenges our society has now that society back then did not have.
  
  If I haven't made it clear, I love books with a message, and books that inspire me! Even as an adult, Marian's story inspires me. There have been, and I'm sure will be, instances in my life where I am afraid to dream outside of my comfort zone because failure and the unknown are scary. Marian had obstacles in her life that tried to keep her from her dream, and each time she found her way around them. I figure, if she can come back from racial prejudice, then I can find a way around my meager trivial problems. As an adult, it is easy to get into a rhythm and forget to dream, but this story lights a spark in your brain, and an immediate love in your heart. And not only was it eloquently written, but the artwork in this story is incredible! After reading the text, I went back through and spent some time just admiring the artwork. Just in the pictures alone, each time I looked, I found something new. I love when illustrations in a story constantly keep your eyes moving in such a meaningful way! The text and illustrations in this book tie in beautifully to make this a must-read in your classroom and your life.
  
  This is definitely a story that I will pick up and re-read on my "not so inspired" days, because it is truly a pick-me-up in more ways than one, and has so much potential and worth in the classroom setting! If you haven't read it, this one is definitely worth picking up off the shelf!
• 
  Lisa Tobleman

  I was thinking about my Dad today, and in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King I have a special person I would like to introduce some of you to.
  
  Her name was Marian Anderson, and she was one of the most amazing opera singers of her time. She sang everywhere in Europe and had a voice that was breathtaking. Thinking of my Dad because he was the one who told me about Ms Anderson when I was six, sitting in our living room off La Joya listening to a live Met broadcast like we did every Saturday. I can still hear his voice telling me that this amazing woman with a voice of an angel wanted to sing at the Met, but the directors at the time sad no. Whites only! Undaunted, Marian looked for a place to sing. The First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and her husband President Franklin D Roosevelt, solved this problem by inviting her to sing at the Lincoln Memorial. So Easter Sunday, April 9, 1939, Marian Sang to more than 75,000 people.
  
  The National Archives recorded and preserved the concert. To listen to the whole radio broadcast of the concert look up
  http://media.nara.gov/mopix/audio/ww2...
  
  This book means a lot to me because Ms. Anderson was both a beautiful singer and someone who my Dad adored. She pioneered equality for artists of color long before there was a Civil Rights Movement and did it simply by being so good she could demand things like she would only perform to mixed audiences.
  
  The illustrator: Brian Selznick, who won his own Caldecott award for his book The Invention of Hugo Cabret, uses sepia tones and stylized people to convey the sense of time until the last page where the only bit of true color in the whole book is Ms Anderson on stage, singing at the Met...The First singer of color ever to perform there. I am not familiar with Pam Munoz Ryan's books, but this story focuses on Ms Anderson's life and her singing. I adore this book and read it often.
  
  It should be in our library soon, so look for it to be featured along with other stories of important Civil Rights pioneers in the coming weeks.
• 
  Lara's

  Synopsis: An introduction into the life, struggles and accomplishments of one of the world's greatest singers, Marian Anderson. Best known for her historic concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, which drew an unprecedented integrated crowd in a pre-Civil Rights America.
  Review: Born in 1897, Philadelphia was a segregated community. Children will read about Marian's childhood dream to sing at the Metropolitan Opera. Of course, during this time, there were many obstacles that stood in her path. Some of them social, some of them personal. However, as Marian grew and began to pursue this dream she would eventually find the avenues and opportunities she needed in order to succeed. With her family, community and finally, through much trial and tribulation, her country behind her---Marian's dream was realized. There are moments of great adventure, moments of deep sorrow, moments of accomplishment and failure within this book that can help to encourage all children to keep reaching for their dream. The only thing missing from this Robert F. Sibert Honor book is an accompanying CD for children and parents alike to revel in the opportunity of listening to this amazing womans beautiful voice.
  Critical Reviews: Paul Hughes (Amazon) notes, "Kids will especially identify with the confusion and frustration of young Marian" in regards to the barriers placed before her during her quest for her dream. Publishers Weekly had accolades for the illustrations. "Working with a sepia-toned palette, Selznick's paintings shimmer with emotion, his range of shading as versatile as Anderson's three-octave voice".
  
• 
  Dolly

  This is a fascinating story of a singer I knew virtually nothing about. It was nominated to be one of the
  March 2011 Music-themed reads for the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads. It didn't win, but we decided to read it anyway and I'm so glad.
  
  We've also read another collaboration between
  Pam Muñoz Ryan and
  Brian Selznick:
  Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride and we had high expectations for this story. We were not disappointed.
  
  The story was beautifully illustrated and the narrative was engaging, with lots of small verses of songs that she sang. It was fun to read and sing aloud, but I think we will want to turn to YouTube for a better rendition of the songs. It's too bad that we did not have an audio supplement to listen to as we read the book.
  
  Our girls enjoyed the story, but were not interested in listening to the author and illustrator notes at the end of the book. So I read them myself and I found them to be very enlightening; they filled in a lot more of the gaps in the story with a timeline and more information about her professional and personal life.
  
  
• 
  Becky Bass

  When Marian Sang is a historical narrative about the life of Marian Anderson. It explains her life growing up and how she loved to sing. It goes into depth about her experiencing her father’s depth and how that reflected in her music. It explains her hard working life and support from her family. What’s interesting is the book explains Marian’s acknowledgement of prejudice and how that affected her way to her singing career. Marian sang with dignity no matter what negative influences she experienced. It explains her hard work to finally getting to sing at the Lincoln Memorial. I think this is a very “in-depth” text for a younger class due to some vocabulary, but I don’t think that’s a reason for it not to be added to the classroom library. It covers some sensitive issues that deserved to be talked about in the classroom, and with teacher prompting I think it can be accomplished. Marian breaks barriers from prejudice and being female. Her beautiful voice carries her far, and I think students would find it inspirational.
• 
  Stephene

  1st to 3rd Grade Read aloud
  Selznick’s warm paintings create beautiful and dramatic images of Marian Anderson’s life and journey. He uses a rich palette of blacks, browns and whites to depict a historical view of this inspiring, talented singer’s story. Ryan brings the story to light with her text, which is targeted toward primary students as a picture book. Large images and abundant text fill each page leading the audience through the “recital” of Anderson’s rise to acclaim as a renowned African-American singer. Students will find the illustrations most appealing and detailed and will enjoy the uplifting tale of this historical figure.
  Related Content: Social Studies, Art, Language Arts, Music
  Lesson Idea: Students will choose a biography on a historically-significant person and use the information learned to create a story box to share with the class.
  
• 
  Barbara

  In memorable text and haunting Liquitex acrylic illustrations, the team that combined their talents for Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride bring to life the story of Marian Anderson's rise to fame. Snubbed by the music school she desperately wanted to attend due to segregation, she took voice lessons paid by her church community and traveled to Europe where she took the continent by storm. She returned to the United States in triumph, ready to sing her heart out. When Constitution Hall refused to allow her to sing within its walls, an outdoor concert was arranged on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Throughout the story, the author and illustrator make Marian's grace and dignity ever-present while reminding readers that the fight for civil rights was fought on many fronts. This title is memorable.
• 
  J-Lynn Van Pelt

  The second collaboration between Ryan and Selznick (after Amelia and Eleanor Go For A Ride) in which the afterward explains that a story from Selznick’s uncle inspired the research into Marian Anderson’s life and eventually this book. The book tells Marian’s story of accomplishment while outlining the segregation that she faced during her lifetime. Ryan writes Marian’s story while interjecting lyrics from the spirituals that she loved to sing. Selznick’s illustrations are in shades of brown with muted colors until the day when Marian realizes her dream and sings in the Metropolitan Opera and she shines in blue and red. In the back of the book, the story is augmented with further facts, research, a timeline, and a selected discography.
• 
  Linda

  Somehow I missed this when it was published several years ago. The story begins with Marian’s childhood, all the way to her triumph singing at the Lincoln Memorial, with some follow-up of changes that occurred after that. The author and illustrator notes at the back are also of interest, adding more to Marian’s story, and the spark that started both down the path in crafting this book. The story of Marian’s voice is celebrated by interspersing songs she sang throughout her lifetime, and the illustrations fill the pages with a kind of celebration too. Even the background surrounding her on each page is meaningful in a historic sense. I enjoyed it very much.
• 
  Carmen Grace

  Having never heard the story of Marian Anderson, I was captivated by her persistence and her grit to continue to sing no matter what people told her she could and could not do because she was African American. The illustrations by Brian Selznick bring life to Marian's story and are incredibly detailed. At the bottom of most pages in the book, some of the song lyrics that Marian sang and recorded appeared in italics. To gain a better insight into Marian's incredible talent, I listened to one of her songs and was immediately intrigued by her raw talent. This is a great biography to share with students.
• 
  Mari

  When Marian Sang is a must have and must read book. The illustrations capture the reader's eyes. Marian encourages readers to be faithful and follow their dreams, but to work hard to make those dreams come through. Despite the horrible conditions of her time,, and being an African American young girl, she did not give up. Her dream was to sing, and she sang. I love the small songs added to the book by Pam. The book can be used in art and music.
• 
  Scott Hayden

  Read it for the first time, aloud to my family. Couldn't get through it without choking up.
  
  By the same author as Esperanza Rising, this story relates the rise of Marian Anderson to stardom against the tide of racism. From childhood, her voice set her apart. Throughout life, her voice, her perseverance, her courage, and her friends gave momentum to her career and the broader cause of true freedom.
• 
  Vernon Area Public Library KIDS

  Recommended for all ages. What a wonderful book! I didn't know very much about Marian Anderson before I read this book, but I'm so glad I know a bit more now. Interspersed with quotes and lyrics from gospel spirituals, and illustrated by the amazing Brian Selznik, this book by Pam Munoz Ryan is a true gem. Read it. You won't be disappointed, and you'll want to read more about the talented Marian Anderson.
  
  Reviewed by Lisa Coleman, Youth Services, Vernon Area Public Library