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She Persisted

She Persisted: Marian Anderson

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Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Marian Anderson!

When renowned classical singer Marian Anderson wasn't allowed to sing at a theater in Washington, DC, because she was Black, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt invited her to sing at the Lincoln Memorial, at a concert attended by thousands of people. Marian went on to sing around the world on behalf of the UN and the US State Department, and as a part of the Civil Rights Movement, she also performed at the March on Washington. She went on to win many awards, including the first ever Presidential Medal of Freedom and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award--and she inspired countless people along the way.

In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Katheryn Russell-Brown, readers learn about the amazing life of Marian Anderson--and how she persisted . 
 
Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Marian Anderson's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum.
 
And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Coretta Scott King, Harriet Tubman, Ruby Bridges, and more!

80 pages, Hardcover

Published June 7, 2022

4 people are currently reading
75 people want to read

About the author

Katheryn Russell-Brown

12 books11 followers

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5 stars
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4 stars
33 (57%)
3 stars
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Profile Image for Natasha Niezgoda.
936 reviews245 followers
July 1, 2022
I love the She Persisted series. I knew nothing of Marian Anderson. I love that she used her voice (in so many ways) to break down walls!
Profile Image for Jennybeast.
4,360 reviews18 followers
March 15, 2022
I continue to be really impressed with the She Persisted series of chapter books. Not only are they full of a history that I am less familiar with, but they are consistently well written and inspiring stories. I also love the deliberate partnership with stellar women authors of color. This book is wonderful. I've heard recordings of Marian Anderson before, but I never knew anything in depth about her life or accomplishments. Russell-Brown does a fabulous job telling Marian's story, and speaking to the persistent racism and discrimination that she faced. This little book's shining accomplishment is that it radiates Marian's strength and hope and grace as well as the challenges she overcame. Very well done. Very readable. Very inspiring.

Advanced reader's Copy Provided by Edelweiss.
Profile Image for Goddess of Chaos.
2,858 reviews12 followers
March 26, 2023
"Music embraced Marian like a cozy blanket on a chilly night."

I knew one story about one day in Nathan Anderson's life when I sat down to read this.

This quick read offers a nice introduction to her life, sets the seen for her famous outdoor concert in DC, and offers some perspective on it, that shifted how I viewed it.

Marian Anderson lived in the North in the United States, but as her singing career took off she worked in the South, and Europe, giving her a chance to see life in other communities and cultures.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
3,228 reviews67 followers
December 18, 2025
As someone who was very into classical piano and choir and wanted to take voice lessons when I was younger, I wish I'd learned about Marian Anderson earlier. Classicsl music to this day is still very white. Even though I think that if kids can dream it, then they can do it (as many of the women featured in thjs biography series, it's definitely easier to imagine if someone has already started breaking the trail. I listened to some recordings of Marian Anderson after finishing this book, and it really is a treat to hear a talented and skilled true alto.
Profile Image for Ellon.
4,661 reviews
August 14, 2023
4 stars (I really liked it)

One of my favorite in the series! The writing was so engaging and uplifting. While this series is great for learning about important women in history, I find some installations to be very dry. Not this one!

I had heard of Marian Anderson before reading this book but I learned so much more about her. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Michelle Duncan.
28 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2024
Great Book! I always enjoy hearing how people got their start in music and the difference they made in the world.
245 reviews
March 11, 2024
La primera cantante negra en llevar su arte a las máximos niveles la esposa del oreff se siente era su benefactora su fan Elinor le ayudó a mejorar su acciones don más que
Profile Image for Lauren.
463 reviews
August 14, 2022
This chapter book on Marian Anderson is another great addition to the "She Persisted" series. I had never heard of Marian Anderson before, so I was very interested to learn about her legacy. Her story is very inspiring. She overcame great odds to be able to share her voice with the world. I particularly enjoyed reading about her relationship with Eleanor Roosevelt and how they worked together to champion women's rights. Marian Anderson rightfully has earned so many awards and she was a part of many historic movements, including the March on Washington and the Civil Rights Movement.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews

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