The Voice That Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights

by Russell Freedman

Newbery Honor Book * Sibert Medal Winner Carefully researched and expertly told, this Newbery Honor and Sibert Medal-winning book is a moving account of the life of a talented and determined artist who left her mark on musical and social history. Through her story, Newbery Medal-winning author Russell Freedman illuminates the social and political climate of the day and an important chapter in American history. Notes, bibliography, discography, index. "A voice like yours," celebrated conductor Arturo Toscanini told contralto Marian Anderson, "is heard once in a hundred years." This insightful account of the great African American vocalist considers her life and musical career in the context of the history of civil rights in this country. Drawing on Anderson's own writings and other contemporary accounts, Russell Freedman shows readers a singer pursuing her art despite the social constraints that limited the careers of black performers in the 1920s and 1930s. Though not a crusader or a spokesperson by nature, Marian Anderson came to stand for all black artists—and for all Americans of color—when, with the help of such prominent figures as Eleanor Roosevelt, she gave her landmark 1939 performance on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, which signaled the end of segregation in the arts.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Music, Childrens, Middle Grade, Biography Memoir

114 pages, Hardcover

First published May 25, 2004

About the author

Russell A. Freedman was an American biographer and the author of nearly 50 books for young people. He may be known best for winning the 1988 Newbery Medal with his work Lincoln: A Photobiography.

He grew up in San Francisco and attended the University of California, Berkeley, and then worked as a reporter and editor for the Associated Press and as a publicity writer. His nonfiction books ranged in subject from the lives and behaviors of animals to people in history. Freeedman's work has earned him several awards, including a Newbery Honor each for Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery in 1994 and The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane in 1992, and a Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal.

Freedman traveled extensively throughout the world to gather information and inspiration for his books. His book, Confucius: The Golden Rule was inspired by his extensive travels through Mainland China, where he visited Confucius' hometown in modern day QuFu, in the Shantung Province.

Reviews

[Phil J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Freedman does what he does well, but it never rose above "moderately interesting" for me. Marion Anderson was really good at singing. She was discriminated against. She sang at the Lincoln Memorial in protest. I knew this going in, and it's still what I know after reading. I learned some additional details, but nothing that changes my basic understanding of the story.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing YA history and one that will lead me to search out a long biography on this stunning icon.

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never heard of American contralto opera singer, Marian Anderson. It's a remarkable story of grit, perseverance and the kindness of people who helped her along the way -- particularly her fellow church goers who fundraised several times to help pay for lessons or school opportunities in Europe. There were many obstacles in her way because of the laws of segregation still in effect in the country, particularly the South. We take for granted the opportunity to stay in any hotel, eat anywhere. This racist environment made it difficult to travel while performing. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt even canceled her membership to the DAR ( Daughters of the American Revolution) who refused to let Marian sing in their Auditorium because they only allowed white performers.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

So wow, its always the books you put off with a prejudicial sniff thinking you know what you will get when you open it that shocks you-- and admittedly shamefully that was me about this book sigh-as I am nearing the end of my book journal I thought this one would be dull, hard to get through and a chore to read though I was not too familiar with Marian Anderson aside from the well-known African American history fact of her being an accomplished singer, barrier breaking and powerful. I had no idea of the woman she was, the friends she made and the impact her singing voice had on the entire nation and even internationally..the whole world loved her voice and wanted to hear it which was just astounding. This book does not read like a stuffy fact and detail crammed non-fiction text and while there are excerpts from Marian herself and others the book reads as a story on an amazing woman’s life. I was so intrigued by her voice’s power I looked her up and spent half hour on Youtube reliving her operatic and true tone and performance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64ZJE...
Youtube Link to Marian Anderson's amazing singing voice!

and thanks to this book I also want to learn more about Roland Hayes a successful African American singer who found fame in Europe and the feisty and impactful Eleanor Roosevelt who I had no idea gave so much to fight social injustices .Marian’ accomplishments and accolades pour through the book and you feel inspired and grateful for her life and experiences like being the first black concert artist to record Negro spirituals for a major recording company; the first black vocalist to appear as a soloist with the Philharmonic Society at Philadelphia’s prestigious Academy of Music; one of America’s most sought after singers and the first black soloist to perform in the Metropolitan Opera- however even with all these firsts and great works this book revolved around one of her most profound and courageous singing performances and that was when she performed for over 75,000 people in front of the Lincoln Memorial in what was dubbed the Freedom concert in a protest over her being banned from D.C.’s premier concert venue Constitution Hall. By singing for free and for equality of the races Marian Anderson became a large part of the Civil Rights movement towards segregation though she sang in 1939 and again during the other huge gathering for Justice with Dr. King Jr. at the historic Civil Rights March in 1963. With a life full of passion, adversity and perseverance this book told her story beautifully and the shy, tall, beautiful woman with the unforgettable voice made her mark on the world doing what she loved to do …Great nonfiction read I will gladly recommend.

[Michaela Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You lose a lot of time hating people.”

[Natalie M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt that this book was very inspirational and interesting! Marian Anderson was not only an incredible singer, she was also an activist that fought for equal rights of African-Americans. The book walks you through Marian's life, including her singing career, personal life, and life as an activist. I learned new facts not just about Marian Anderson, but also about the discrimination of the African-American society (in Marian's case, mostly discrimination in concert halls and performances). I would recommend this book!

[Mitchell Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing my read of Sibert Winners and Honors. This is my second book I've read on Marian Anderson. And this covered similar ground in similar ways, with perhaps a bit more photographic record. And yet this hit just as hard, perhaps harder. How hard people of color had to work. How fast our history is lost.

[Kara Budge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marian Anderson was a pioneer as well as a remarkably talented artist. I finished this book feeling inspired by her perseverance and an appreciation for her ability to challenge the status quo.

[Cathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! The photos and the story are marvelous, and I'm so glad that I learned more about Marian Anderson's inspiring life. I knew a tiny bit about her from seeing clips of her singing at the Lincoln Memorial and from her Kennedy Center award years ago, but I'm so glad that I know more about this gifted woman now. The chapter which deals with the DAR barring Anderson from performing at Constitution Hall is infuriating, to say the least. (And talk about hypocritical!) The next chapter, all about Anderson's Easter Sunday 1939 performance at the Lincoln Memorial--with 75,000 people in attendance--brought me to tears. Just beautiful!

This is only the second Russell Freedman book that I've read, but I hope to read many more. He's so good at writing non-fiction books for young readers, and this not-so-young reader is a fan.

[James Govednik · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Audio CD). This is an amazing story, and a thorough biography of a remarkable woman. For high school readers, the level of detail covers every aspect of Marian Anderson's life from childhood to retirement. The details of contemporary society, politics and culture fill out the picture. For musicians, especially singers, the musical detail is also thorough. I recomend this highly for all readers interested in the advancement of civil rights. The audio CD is not very strong, but after listening to When Marian Sang (Pam Munoz Ryan, with recordings of Anderson singing), I kept hoping to hear the same in this audo CD. Instead, the exerpts from the song lyrics quoted in the text are read by the narrator. I was left flat when the narrator sang Anderson's version of the lyrics to "America" at the famous Lincoln Memorial Concert. The narrator sings well, but after so many vivid verbal descriptions of her voice, and the drama building to that pivotal moment--I needed to hear Marian Anderson. However, the book is so strong overall that it certainly stands on its own as a text.

Despite her international success, the stunning rejection of Anderson's request to perform at Constitution Hall in Washington D.C., and Anderson's ensuing triumph at the Lincoln Memorial instead, is well-documented here and in other sources. However, in this text, we are taken through the repercussions. Eleanor Roosevelt's decision to quit the D.A.R. in response, gained national attention. Amazingly, it was another four years before the D.A.R invited Anderson to sing at Constitution Hall, and even then the organization tried to enforce a segregated seating policy for the audience! Anderson insisted this be changed, and the "Daughters" relented (alhtough they didn't officially change their policies for another 9 years, in 1952). And yet, in the coming years, in some parts of the US, Anderson still had to endure humiliating segregation, sometimes even forced to separate from her traveling companions and even the welcoming committees sent to greet her. At each step of the way, she responded with dignity and poise, letting her singing carry her message.

The text includes many personal moments, such as Anderson's relationship with Eleanor Roosevelt, her opportunity to take her mother with her to sing for FDR at the White House, her long courtship and marriage to Orpheus Fisher, and her other accomplishments: first African-American to sing at the Met, US delegate to the United Nations, and performing at the historic Civil Rights march in Washington in 1963, when Martin Luther King delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech.

I also referred to the text along the way, and the photographic support and other quotes from friends, family and musicians are great. The dramatic scene at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 is given full-spread treatment. Lots of photos of all involved as well as the various locations. Chapter notes, bibiliography and a discography offer the reader additional information. Heroic life, great biography.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You lose a lot of time, hating people." - Marian Anderson

Freedman has compiled a truly eye-opening book about a fabulous human being. It's no surprise he won the Newbery Honor, given that he'd already earned two Newbery distinctions prior to this book, with photobiographies about Abraham Lincoln and the Wright Brothers. Here, Mr. Freedman uses the same formula that has brought him success in the past, and to my delight it still works well.

I was aware of Marian Anderson but didn't think much about her before. She was just a name in history to me, really. I had read a snippet of her autobiography in seventh grade, but that's about as far as I went with her. This book not only introduced me to a wonderful person but also a great talent. I've had the privilege of listening to her stunning voice thanks to video recordings available on the Internet. It's very evident how she was able to move her audience to tears through her singing; her spirituals are particularly moving.

But not only does Freedman introduce you to Marian's wonderful personality, he also portrays her as a key civil rights activist in the early 20th century. Indeed, she made contributions to equal rights that should place her on the platform with Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rosa Parks. She became the first African-American to sing in New York's Metropolitan Opera and Washington DC's Constitution Hall, paving the way for other greats such as Leontyne Price. In addition, she began to refuse performances in front of segregated audiences, asking that people of all races be allowed to sit wherever they pleased at her concerts. In doing so, she made great strides against the hateful Jim Crow laws of her day.

In conclusion, Freedman has written a special biography about a special person. Read it if you get the chance! It's deeply moving and the photographs add to the book's personal touch.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories of people who overcome frustrations and challenges that stand in their way on the path to accomplishing their dreams and ambitions. I am even more impressed by those who are able to overcome hardships and achieve success and yet are humble, kind, and outward focused despite the accolades they receive for their endurance.

Such a person was Marian Anderson, a famous "vocalist who had been applauded by European royalty, welcomed at the White House, and adored by appreciative listeners in concert halls across the United States. But because of her race, she was denied the right to sing at Constitution Hall, Washington’s largest and finest auditorium.”

"Though Marian Anderson was not a crusader or a spokesperson by nature, her response to this injustice catapulted her into the center of the civil rights movement during the 1930's. She came to stand for all black artists - and for all Americans of color - when, with the help of prominent figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt, she gave a landmark performance on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on April 9, 1939 that broke racial barriers and hastened the end of segregation in the arts."

Marian's comment illustrates her humility in light of the situation in which she found herself: "I was sorry for the people who had precipitated the affair. I felt that their behavior stemmed from a lack of understanding. Could I have erased the bitterness, I would have done so gladly."

I was very impressed with the strength of Marian's character in the face of injustice. She quietly asserted herself while remaining dignified and charitable to others. This book contains many quotes and pictures that vividly illustrate the kind of person Marian was. There is a wonderful picture of her taken at the age of ninety while receiving an honorary doctor of letters degree by the University of Connecticut in 1987. The way her eyes are gazing upward, her chin and neck erect, in my opinion captures her indomitable spirit.

This non-fiction book is a fairly quick read and would be a wonderful accompaniment to other civil rights texts.

[Melissa Sharp · Rating 3 out of 5]

This detailed biography tells of Marian Anderson's life from the beginning of her career till the end of her life. Marian Anderson was one of the greatest singers of her time and was a central figure for civil rights before the civil rights movement began.

I enjoyed reading this book and learning the context for Marian Anderson's concert at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939. The text is detailed without being overwhelming or dense and there are lots of good pictures.

For Dr. Day's reading challenge:
Copyright: 2004
Genre: informational
Awards: Newbery Medal Nominee, Sibert Medal, Vermont Golden Dome Book Award Nominee, NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book, Carter G. Woodson Book Award for Middle Level
How I would use this book in my classroom:
I would have this book on my classroom bookshelf for students to read if they wanted to. If I were teaching history or about civil rights, I might use excerpt from this book or have students browse it. This is a higher level book, so I wouldn't assign the whole thing in elementary school.

[Alexsandy Jimenez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marian Anderson biography is told through this book The Voice that Challenged A Nation. Besides this it intertwines with the fight for equal rights. Marian Anderson’s passion was to sing, she was a very talented singer as well, but because of her race she was held back from singing in certain places.
This is a great book to introduce students of a person that played a role during the civil rights movement. This book contains pictures of Marian, during her accomplishments and of great moments she was part of.
Personally I believe that Marian Anderson is a great person that not many know of, honestly I had not heard of her until I got my hands on this book. I loved it! I had a teacher that made me think every so often as a feminist and knowing that a women had achieved greatness and had risked their safety to stand up against the injustices.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent biography of Marian Anderson, a phenomenal singer who sadly is not heard about much these days. She had a range any singer would kill for, and a career that matched it. I find the title of this book odd, because Marian really wasn't concerned with civil rights. She mostly just wanted to sing. She became a figurehead for the civil rights movement, however, when she was banned from singing at Carnegie Hall (I think?), and ended up singing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial at a civil rights rally. Her motto was "I ain't got time to hate," and she bore no ill will toward anyone. She was a woman with a talent who wanted to share it, more than anything else, and this book is a beautiful portrayal of that.

[Nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it's a good possibility I'm the only person who has Ever read my library's copy of this book. Are there kids who actually enjoy books like this? I will say that I loved it. It was beautifully written, moving, and now I feel like I've met Marian Anderson. What a beautiful soul, and a wonderful voice.

[Mariana Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This chapter book written in 2004 won two awards. The Sibert Medal Award and a Newberry award. It’s a novel about Marian Anderson who’s a musician. This book takes us through her life and musical career living through a time where African Americans were fighting for equal rights. The photographs embedded in the books were so cool to look at as well.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

A remarkable person. More should be written and known about Marian Anderson. It seems unfortunate that the author decided to suggest that WWII only happened from 1941-45 instead of the correct dates 1939-1945. I'm sure those who died or were injured during those first two years are as important as those who suffered in the following four years.

[Richie Partington · Rating 5 out of 5]

27 October 2004 THE VOICE THAT CHALLENGED A NATION: MARIAN ANDERSON AND THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUAL RIGHTS by Russell Freedman. Clarion, May 2004. 128 pages. ISBN: 0-618-15976-2

"This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, 'My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring.'
"And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

"Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

"Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!

"But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

"Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

"Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring..."

--Martin Luther King, Jr., August 28, 1963

Dr. King must surely have had a thought or two of Marian Anderson as he stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on that historic afternoon and delivered those words.

Many of us know Marian's basic story:

Marian Anderson was a helluva singer.

Despite being celebrated in Europe as the voice of a century, and despite having the strong support of the President's wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, Marian Anderson was denied the opportunity to perform in Constitution Hall in Washington, DC because it was owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution, and those ladies didn't allow no black folks to be singing in their hall. That refusal led to Marian performing instead from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a crowd of 75,000 people on the Mall and a nationwide radio audience.

She stood up tall where Martin would stand a quarter-century later and led off her performance with a rendition of My County 'Tis of Thee.

Her performance is seen as a historic event at the dawn of the modern Civil Rights movement.

Two years ago, Pam Munoz Ryan and Brian Selznick created the stunningly beautiful 40 page picture book, WHEN MARIAN SANG (Scholastic Press, 2002), which won all sorts of awards including a Sibert Honor.

Now Russell Freedman has written a beautiful and more detailed biography of Marian Anderson which will similarly captivate readers with its engaging text and its clear, oversized photographs of the singer herself and of supporting characters in the story of Marian Anderson.

The most precious of those supporters were also some of the earliest. Through the chapters focusing on her earliest years, I was moved by Freedman's portrayal of how Marian's childhood community came through time and time again to insure that her dreams would not be in vain:

"Again there was no money for lessons. Most of Marian's earnings from concert appearances went to her mother, who was still taking in laundry and scrubbing floors, and to her sisters, who were still in school. And again the congregation at Union Baptist Church came to Marian's aid, organizing a benefit concert that raised $566 so that she could study with Boghetti."

Equally moving is the subplot of her life that involves Orpheus Fisher:

"I don't wanna wait in vain for your love" --Bob Marley

Having had to quit school after eighth grade in the wake of her father's death, Marian did not complete high school until she was twenty-four. It was during her delayed high school years--back when America was engaged in the First World War--that Marian met Orpheus Fisher who, "like her, was still in high school. He fell for the shy singer with the soft laughter and huge sparkling eyes who was almost as tall as he..."

Decades later, America was midway through the Second World War when Marian finally relented and married Orpheus, who has tirelessly and faithfully pursued her all those years, while she was single-mindedly focused on her career.

And what a career it was:

"During one ten-month period she gave 123 concerts in fifteen different countries, performing a repertoire that included over two hundred songs and arias in German, Italian, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish, Finnish, and other languages."

It must have been amazingly disheartening for Marian Anderson to return home from entertaining European royalty and once again come face to face with Jim Crow. Like black sports stars of that era, Marian faced dangerous and humiliating conditions when traveling and performing around some regions of our "sweet land of liberty." And yet, in photos, she appears both to have left that all behind and to be channeling some kind of higher power as she sings.

" 'It was music-making that probed too deep for words.' "

Marian Anderson remains a symbol of the historic fight to let freedom ring for all Americans. In VOICE THAT CHALLENGED A NATION, Russell Freedman goes far beyond the symbolic to provide us a memorable look at the life of a singer whose talents knew no bounds.

Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com

[Nayira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent story.

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to the life of Marian Anderson, her talents and accomplishments, and her involvement in the American civil rights movement. Gr 4+. Biography. History cycle: 1900-present day

[Summer Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned some interesting history I didn't know. Marian Anderson seems like a lovely person. The writing wasn't particularly engaging.

[Heather Tully · Rating 5 out of 5]

fifth family read aloud of the year. part of 2023-2024 edu year. we also enjoyed listening to recordings of Anderson!

[Lynette Caulkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet biography about a remarkable woman who sang her way into the hearts of people around the world and helped to move U.S. culture forward out of blatant discrimination. I am surprised that I was not formerly aware of Marian Anderson, considering her world-wide acclaim. I have a masters in History, and didn't know about her?? That's insane.

Freedman's writing is easy to read, and the many photographs serve both to lighten the material and to enhance the awareness that this woman was lovely, unassuming, gracious, poised, and clearly a popular talent.

Anderson did not think of herself as a Civil Rights warrior, nor indeed was she, but the sheer power of her talent and renown, combined with the circumstances of her time and position, made her a key figure in the fight for equality. She was the star in a position for political figures and the NAACP to challenge segregation and discrimination when the Daughters of the American Revolution refused her access to the Constitution Hall. That refusal sparked a national condemnation from Eleanor Roosevelt and other powerful figures and led to the historical Easter concert at the Lincoln Monument. Freedman points out that this event provided the model for further peaceful demonstrations and established the Lincoln Monument as the quintessential location for such activities. (Anderson would sing at this spot once again, years later, when Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his I Have a Dream speech.)

Biographies are not normally my "thing," so I'm glad that this is in my Newbery collection. What a pleasure to get to know Marian Anderson and learn of her accomplishments despite the times she was born into. We could use some current public figures with her degree of refinement!

[Taylor Philipsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Russel Freedman has yet again created an inspiring biography about the one and only, Marian Anderson. The Voice That Challenged a Nation, follows the life of Marian, a contralto African American that was born in the 1890s. She struggled to let the world know how bad segregation was, and she finally achieved it in the 1930s.
Though Marian Anderson was not a crusader or spokesperson naturally, her response to racial segregation moved her into the center of the civil rights movement. She stood for all black artists, mostly both races of color. Eleanor Roosevelt, a prominent figure during the time, supported Anderson in her decision. Marian also gave a historical performance on the many steps at the Lincoln Memorial. Little did she know that her singing broke racial barriers and sped up the end of segregation in the many prospects of art.
This Newbery Medalist shows readers a singer pursuing her art in the context of freedom and equality. Within the book, there are illustrated, realistic, and historically accurate photographs of Marian, her family, and the many places she performed at. This is an inspiring account of the life of a talented, determined artist who left her mark on musical and social history. I appreciate this book because I know what it feels like to have the motivation to sing something with the passion you care for it with. I would most likely recommend this to anyone who understands why music is so important to the world that we live in!

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A voice like yours," celebrated conductor Arturo Toscanini told contralto Marian Anderson, "is heard once in a hundred years." This insightful account of the great African American vocalist considers her life and musical career in the context of the history of civil rights in this country. Drawing on Anderson's own writings and other contemporary accounts, Russell Freedman shows readers a singer pursuing her art despite the social constraints that limited the careers of black performers in the 1920s and 1930s. Though not a crusader or a spokesperson by nature, Marian Anderson came to stand for all black artists -- and for all Americans of color -- when, with the help of such prominent figures as Eleanor Roosevelt, she gave her landmark 1939 performance on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, which signaled the end of segregation in the arts.Carefully researched, expertly told, and profusely illustrated with contemporary photographs, this Newbery Honor and Sibert Medal-winning book is a moving account of the life of a talented and determined artist who left her mark on musical and social history. Through her story, Newbery Medal-winning author Russell Freedman, one of today's leading authors of nonfiction for young readers, illuminates the social and political climate of the day and an important chapter in American history. Notes, bibliography, discography, index.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue to be impressed at Freedman's articulate skill of narrating a very complete and captivating story, without going to unnecessary lengths to do so. Marian Anderson was an exceptional, talented, and persistent woman. The persecution she constantly faced from the moment she began to sing did not deter her in the least, but only made her more determined. Instead of concentrating on her obstacles, she focused on what was possible, receiving great support from her family and community.
It was inspiring to read about her trips to Europe, her realization of the importance of learning properly the foreign languages in which she was singing, and her ability to make that all happen. While there, she received such excellent reviews and performed in front of consistently sold-out audiences throughout all of Europe, without the segregation and racial limits she had encountered in the United States.
Her pinnacle performance, one of which I had to immediately watch online, was her Easter concert in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. Such a beautiful, poised, and grand woman! I am better for knowing more about her.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several students at my school are currently challenged with reading a non-fiction book for their upcoming book report. This inspired me to read one of my own to join them. This book was the first one I grabbed. I've read When Marian Sang, but that picture book is written for a much younger audience and doesn't give the rich detail that this book does.

What impressed me about the biography of this unparalleled contralto was the work ethic of this woman who faced so much injustice with poise and grace. I was aware of Jim Crow laws of course, and knew they were in full effect during Anderson's day, but I didn't know the story behind the DAR banning her performance, nor her friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt. I didn't realize the efforts she had to take on tours because she couldn't be sure she would have a place to stay.

Many photos and reproductions of mementos are included that add to the authenticity of this account, bringing the history alive. I will enjoy sharing this book with my students soon. Perhaps one of them will choose it for an upcoming book report.

[Rae'Lu McBride · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of an assignment for my Washington State University Teaching & Learning 307 class. This book historically traces the career of a renowned African American contralto singer named Marian Anderson from 1897 to 1993. Philadelphia is where Anderson grew up. During her childhood her mother and father were devoted Baptists that attended church regularly. There Anderson began cultivating her extraordinary voice by preforming in her church’s youth choirs. Over time Anderson became a concert singer and was able to tour Europe where she performed for royalty, often sang in the native language of her audiences and elicited the highest praise from maestro Arturo Toscanini, who told Anderson that her voice was only "heard once in a hundred years" (Freedman 2004). However, in America Anderson’s professional career developed at a slower rate. Faced with racism and discrimination early on in her American singing career Anderson was forced to comply to the Jim Crow laws segregating whites and colors throughout America.

[Hannah Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: Marian Anderson was an African American woman who born with a great. Marian was a beautiful singer and wanted to share her gift with the world, but faced many limitations due to segregation. Marian persevered and eventually changed history by performing and the Lincoln Memorial Concert.
Evaluation: This book is an accurate description of Marian’s life and is credited for its use of true statements, and real pictures and newspaper clippings of and about Marian. Marian changed history as an African American female performer and should be credited for the hard work she puts into making her dreams come true.
Teaching Ideas: Pieces of this text could be used within the classroom to explain and show examples of the truth of segregation and the limitations of not having equal rights. Students could compare and contrast the equals rights of Whites and African Americans or even male and females.