Handel, Who Knew What He Liked

Candlewick Biographies

by M.T. Anderson, Kevin Hawkes

George Frideric Handel was not your everyday eighteenth-century composer. And in a manner befitting its subject, this witty, rigorously researched, and accessible biography captures Handel's essential spirit — from a child who smuggled a clavichord into the attic to make music against his father's orders to a young man who imported forty-five pounds of mountain snow to chill wine for a gala. LOS ANGELES TIMES Book Prize winner M. T. Anderson depicts not only Handel's triumphs but also his struggles, chronicling the illness, ill fortune, and despair that led to his greatest achievement, the Messiah. With impeccable detail and a wink at the reader, Kevin Hawkes illustrates this singular story of Handel and the music through which he lives on.

Genres: Music, Picture Books, Biography, Childrens, Nonfiction, History, Historical

48 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2001

About the author

Matthew Tobin Anderson (M. T. Anderson), (1968- ) is an author, primarily of picture books for children and novels for young adults. Anderson lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

His picture books include Handel Who Knew What He Liked; Strange Mr. Satie; The Serpent Came to Gloucester; and Me, All Alone, at the End of the World. He has written such young adult books as Thirsty, Burger Wuss, Feed, The Game of Sunken Places, and Octavian Nothing. For middle grader readers, his novels include Whales on Stilts: M. T. Anderson's Thrilling Tales and its sequel, The Clue of the Linoleum Lederhosen.
-Wikipedia

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first biography I’ve read in this Candlewick Biographies series for middle grade.

George Frideric Handel was born in Germany and from childhood knew that he wanted to study music. His father told him to pick a profession that would support him. Little Handel was quite a character from childhood. He smuggled a clavichord (early version of piano) into the attic and taught himself to play at night.

A duke upon hearing Handel playing organs in the chapel convinced his father to let him study music. The compromise was that he’d also study law which was father’s wish.

In Italy, he fell in love with Italian opera. Thus, began composing Italian operas. After a few years in Italy, he returned to England where he continued composing Italian operas. The problem was the English didn’t like opera. He set to prove it was something loveable. And he won them over. But with one show ending in firing, his fortunes turned and spiraled down.

He went from writing operas to oratiorios for which he became famous.

This biography shows the character of Handel through different examples. He went after what he wanted, even if he was told no or was against the odds.

The colorful illustrations are stunning and the story is engaging. However, I found the fonts too small, and the chapters don’t have titles. Catchy titles can make a difference in engaging young reader to continue reading.

I’ve noticed that it depends on a series. For the age group 8-12, this series is much shorter than the others I’ve read. Everything is very brief. It certainly gives the story a fast pace. I believe this series might be targeting the young readers who struggle with concentrating on something more developed.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not much to add to the general synopsis/review above. This was a fun, engaging, thought-provoking and sensitive biography! Recommended to music fans, biography fans and fans of a good story. Children will see that it is not always easy to be true to one's self, that sometimes it can bring about great trials and tribulations, but that there are rewards if one perseveres. I appreciate that Handel is not portrayed as some amazing saint or untouchable genius, but rather a person with foibles like the rest of us who had an amazing talent and the tenacity to let it blossom.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an engrossing and entertaining biography of Handel, and it’s very sophisticatedly told given that this is a children’s picture book. My favorite parts were learning the background of how and why and under what conditions various musical pieces were composed, music I’ve heard and would recognize. I will say that at the beginning I couldn’t help thinking there is a very fine line between being a brat and being determined and knowing one’s own mind, and how it was a good thing Handel was as talented as he was, and he does seem to have had a rather difficult personality, but I was able to appreciate who he was and what he accomplished. In the back of the book, there is a birth to death chronology of Handel’s life, a discography list which I think would be better left out as it’s so abbreviated, and a for further reading list that concentrates on books for adults. Handel’s life and musical career is related with both seriousness and humor. The illustrations are full page size and impressive, and they definitely help keep the reader focused on the narrative. I think that readers who are familiar with the music mentioned will have extra appreciation for this book.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following the story of George Frideric Handel from the time when he was a small boy - a boy who 'knew what he liked,' and was determined to learn music, despite the disapproval of his father - M.T. Anderson and Kevin Hawkes' picture-book biography is a wonderful introduction to the life and work of the great composer, with immense narrative and illustrative appeal. The major events of Handel's life - his father's disapproval of his career choice, his dramatic duel with fellow composer, Matheson, his early devotion to Italian opera (which he introduced to England), and his move to composing oratorios in English (ah, The Messiah!) - are all set out in Handel, Who Knew What He Liked.

With an engaging narrative that draws the reader into its subject's life-story, and gorgeous acrylic illustrations - deeply colorful, and very expressive - that capture the 'feeling' of each moment depicted (I love Handel's expression, when Matheson's sword is breaking on his button!), this is picture-book biography at its best! The appendices at the rear include a time-line of Handel's life, a section on his discography, and a list of suggestions (both children's and adult titles!) for further reading. All in all, an excellent title to put into the hands of the young music enthusiast, or Handel fan.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew Handel was German, and a British transplant. I didn't know how long he struggled to find HIS genre...not opera, which he tried. But oratorio. Beautiful voices and instruments but without the drama and sets and costumes. Just people making amazing, moving music.

A great look at how to follow your dream, but be willing to adjust and keep looking for new facets OF your dream.

Another one that would fit easily into the secondary classroom...

[Rose | Adventurous Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

made me laugh quite a bit.

4 stars

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Handel Who Knew What He Liked is a children's picture book written by M.T. Anderson and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. In this wittily cheeky picture-book biography, the legendary baroque composer is vividly brought to life.

George Frideric Handel was a German-born Baroque composer becoming well known for his operas, oratorios, anthems, concerti grossi, and organ concertos. He was strongly influenced both by the middle-German polyphonic choral tradition and by composers of the Italian Baroque.

Anderson's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Anderson's sassy visual and verbal repartee sets the tone for a fresh and funny take on history and does a bang-up job of condensing and explaining the major events of the composer's larger-than-life career. Backmatter includes a chronology, discography, further adult reading. Hawkes' lush and sweeping acrylic paintings pick up on the more poignant as well as the puckish elements.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Handel’s father didn't want him to be a musician, but the boy snuck a clavichord into the attic and practiced in secret anyway. However, an intervention of a noble, Handel was allowed to begin training, but as a compromise, was forced to study law as well. He studied in various places in Germany, where he was born, traveled in Italy, but settled in England to write opera.

All in all, Handel Who Knew What He Liked is a wonderful biography of a Baroque composer in George Frideric Handel.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 10-year-old daughter and I loved this biography of Handel filled with his fascinating life story as well as information about his music, music of the period, and humor. Recommended as an introductory biography for children and adults!

[Kapila · Rating 5 out of 5]

M. T. Anderson's title is so descriptive of the sympathetic feel of this book. The story of Handel's life, from his childhood in Germany up until his death in England is 1759 is portrayed with warmth and rich, often humorous details. Kevin Hawkes' illustrations complement this mood to perfection: nearly all of his cosy paintings are double spreads, and he places much emphasis on light and darkness - whether illustrating the theater, light from windows, or the text boxes, some of which appear within gilded frames. The author portrays Handel as a person who, from early childhood, knew where his passions lay, and would stop at nothing once his mind was made up. For example, we are given delicious details such as how Handel ran after his father's coach, getting all muddy, becasue he desperately wanted to travel with his father to a duke's castle. In later life, while working on The Messiah, we once again find Handel working feverishly, without eating, and without much human contact- writing as if possessed, to finish his quintessential, revolutionary musical work. But there's a good deal of humor in the ridiculous stories scattered through Handel's life: dealing with divas, or duelling a good music colleague and then returning to their performance indoors. Explanations of words the reader might be unfamiliar with are sprinkled thorughout the book. The end of the book contains a chronology, discography, and a section for further reading. A valuable, sympathetic story of a very great, very stubborn man.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful biography of George Frideric Handel. The narrative is engaging and filled with interesting anecdotes and information about his life and the author consistently tied the story to the title, how he always managed to stay true to what he liked. The illustrations are terrific as well, with an impressionistic style and several comic touches. The story is a bit long, so I would recommend reading it with older children who will be able to sit still long enough and enjoy the story.

After, we went to YouTube to see some performances of his music, particularly the Hallelujah Chorus from the Messiah oratorio. Thank heavens for resources on the internet that really bring the story to life for our girls.

We discovered this book because 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.

[Moira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because my friend Beckie Weinheimer recommended it as a great example of a picture book biography (which I am working on). I had previously read and loved Anderson's book on Satie.

Thanks Beckie, because now that I have read it, I may just forget about writing my book - NOTHING I write can even come close to this magnificent, amazing, heartwarming, beautiful book. I was awestruck. The picture he painted with his words, accompanied by glowing illustrations, is really beyond description. I know that we write biographies to honor someone we admire, and in that regard, I want to continue working on mine. But I know I will not do my subject justice as Anderson has done with Satie and Handel.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun illustrations and very interesting biography of Handel. I learned quite a bit about his life from reading this.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice to know that my favorite composer had his ups and downs in life, just like the rest of us nobodys.

[Yonah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading the history about this musician/composer. The book is long, but the beautiful illustrations keep kids intersted.

[Agilar Janeet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Handel, Who Knew What He Liked. Anderson, M. T. Illus. Kevin Hawkes. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick, 2001. Genre: Nonfiction, biographies. Range Age: 8-12 years old. The main theme of the book is perseverance. The story plot is about what Handel knew he liked since an early age. Handel wanted to study music but his father did not agree because he believe that musicians never make money. He was a persistence boy because despite his father opinion, he taught himself to play clavichord and years later he was discovered by the duke. The duke supported him to study music so he did and also followed his interest in Opera. He created, performed operas, and taught music to the royal family. Sadly, Handel went through difficult moments that forced him to consider to give up on what he most liked. Hence, he decided to have a last concert series before to retire so he wrote Messiah that became a huge success. Hendel decided to stay doing what he most liked and he became a successful and famous composer. I think the book is appealing to young readers because the language is easy and clear to understand. The book also provides the meaning of some text words at the bottom of every page. The illustration goes along with the text and the colors are perfect well use to convey the readers to the time where Hendel lived.

[Andrea Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is informational book about George Handel who was a composer. It is a biographical book about the struggles he faced growing up breaking away from the norm of labor to follow his dreams of becoming a composer. It goes into detail about his childhood as well as the misfortunes he has come into contact with. I would use this book with middle school children to teach about the history of his genre of music as well as a reference him for maybe a research project.
I rated this book 4 stars because it is a classic. This information is accurate as well as the story having depth. The book is lengthy which is why I would assign it to middle school; I would even push it to upper elementary. The illustrations are nice as well.

[Patricia Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: biography, grades 2-5
I had no idea Handel's life was so ridiculous! This is the perfect example of how to write a nonfiction book. Not only does it give factual events, they are presented in a witty style (that always finds a way to point out Handel's fabulous wig). This book also includes a lot of musical terms that students wouldn't normally learn in school. I think that students from a wide range of grade levels could learn a lot from this book! As someone who plans to teach some music in my classroom, this will likely be something I read to my students.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids and I loved this simplified bio of Handel, as we’ve been studying and listening to his Messiah. Interesting life! I want to dive into a bigger biography of Handel for myself to read! I’ve always loved the baroque time period in art, architecture, and music. The illustrations in this short book were lively and colorful, the notes on each page mentioned historical snippets, and sent us down fun rabbit holes—like what do clavichords and harpsichords sound like? Enter YouTube videos! Great intro to a musical genius.

[Michelle Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very readable short biography on Handel which also gives some background into MESSIAH. It's about a 15 minute read, divided into chapters. I used it with the 6th graders to talk about Messiah, word painting and oratorios. I would have liked a little better illustrations. Some of the incidents in Handels life were interesting, but I did feel like I needed to add some other sources to make a bit of a more balanced presentation, but I would not hesitate to use it again.

[Tanaia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The books has good illustration has lot of colors and nice to look at because they have great details. The book describes the Handel life and it has a goo little rhyme to it in the beginning. Children would like this book because they would be able to learn more about a important person in history. The story does a good job at describing his life. The book is a little lengthy as in the words in the book but if a teacher read the book the student would enjoy and learn new things.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a marvellous book about Handel who was determined all through his life and stubborn enough to not give up on achieving his goals. His father wanted him to give up music because it wouldn't make money, but Handel kept at it. Now he is known as one of the most famous composers in the world, having written some of the most Beautiful oratorios, included Messiah.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations for this children’s book are delightful. The tone is lighthearted. The effect is so whimsical that I believe Handel himself would have enjoyed reading about a man who went for Baroque! Composing the Water Music for the King’s royal barges & penning the Messiah to benefit Irish orphanages. A man who knew what he liked—and wasn’t afraid to do what he liked. A man for all ages.🎼

[Jlnpeacock Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent biography for young readers to introduce them a most important composer. The only thing lacking was music in the background, which one hopes a teacher will be utilizing while reading the book to a class.

[Andrew]

As suggested in Excellent Books for Early and Eager Readers

[Allie Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a boy named Handel who discovers his love for music. He learns to play the piano and realizes that doing what he enjoys brings happiness. This book has a very unique and beautiful art style. Overall, it's a nice story about finding your passion and pursuing it.

[Danni Nemes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book is nonfiction and follows a man throughout his life as he loves country to put on operas and change his life. It is not until he tries to give up that he produces his best work and has his " big break." I would keep in my library to encourage students not to give up when things get hard.

[Erin Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thinking Day 2023--Germany

[Annie Traugutt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really interesting book but it is really long and students may not pay attention to it for a long time.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining.
Includes chronology, discography, and bibliography.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The humor is perfect for us with history and daily life.