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Sweet Land of Liberty
This inspiring story of little-known civil rights champion Oscar Chapman reminds readers that one person can truly make a difference.
On Easter Sunday 1939, Marian Anderson performed at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial for a crowd of over 75,000 people. The person largely responsible for putting her there was a white man, Oscar Chapman. When Chapman learned that Marian Anderson was not allowed to sing at Constitution Hall because of the color of her skin, Chapman helped produce a landmark concert that―for at least one evening―bridged the color divide to bring a city and much of the nation together.
Award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson tells the inspirational story of Oscar Chapman’s lifelong commitment to ending bigotry. Illustrator Leonard Jenkins’s remarkable illustrations recreate a bygone era and pay tribute to remarkable real-life people and a magical moment in modern history. An author’s note provides additional historical context.
On Easter Sunday 1939, Marian Anderson performed at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial for a crowd of over 75,000 people. The person largely responsible for putting her there was a white man, Oscar Chapman. When Chapman learned that Marian Anderson was not allowed to sing at Constitution Hall because of the color of her skin, Chapman helped produce a landmark concert that―for at least one evening―bridged the color divide to bring a city and much of the nation together.
Award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson tells the inspirational story of Oscar Chapman’s lifelong commitment to ending bigotry. Illustrator Leonard Jenkins’s remarkable illustrations recreate a bygone era and pay tribute to remarkable real-life people and a magical moment in modern history. An author’s note provides additional historical context.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2007
26 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Hopkinson
97 books368 followersI write nonfiction and historical fiction, picture books, and Golden Books. I speak at school, libraries, and conferences. I also love to garden and offer manuscript critiques. (Deborahhopkinson@yahoo.com)
NEW books in 2024 include DETERMINED DREAMER: THE STORY OF MARIE CURIE, illus by Jen Hill, ON A SUMMER NIGHT, illus by Kenard Pak, TRIM HELPS OUT and TRIM SAILS the STORM, illus by Kristy Caldwell, EVIDENCE! illustrated by Nik Henderson, and a nonfiction work called THEY SAVED THE STALLIONS. I'm delighted to say that Trim Helps Out, Trim Sails the Storm, On a Summer Night and Evidence! are all Junior Library Guild selections.
I live and work in Oregon and travel all over to speak to young readers and writers.
NEW books in 2024 include DETERMINED DREAMER: THE STORY OF MARIE CURIE, illus by Jen Hill, ON A SUMMER NIGHT, illus by Kenard Pak, TRIM HELPS OUT and TRIM SAILS the STORM, illus by Kristy Caldwell, EVIDENCE! illustrated by Nik Henderson, and a nonfiction work called THEY SAVED THE STALLIONS. I'm delighted to say that Trim Helps Out, Trim Sails the Storm, On a Summer Night and Evidence! are all Junior Library Guild selections.
I live and work in Oregon and travel all over to speak to young readers and writers.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 4, 2014
A look at the people who were involved with arranging for Marian Anderson to perform in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
Mixed media artwork is full of color and texture. An author's note detailing her research and sources follows the story.
A great story behind the story of a huge moment in the history of civil rights and segregation. Recommended for grades 3-5+.
Mixed media artwork is full of color and texture. An author's note detailing her research and sources follows the story.
A great story behind the story of a huge moment in the history of civil rights and segregation. Recommended for grades 3-5+.
November 7, 2019
A fine work of historical fiction about Oscar Chapman who, as Assistant Secretary of the Interior, arranged for Marian Anderson to sing in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., after she was rejected by the DAR who own Constitution Hall. Chapman's sense of justice was shaped by racism he witnessed as a child growing up in Virginia.
February 3, 2020
A very well told historical story about Oscar Chapman and others who helped arrange to have Marion Anderson sing at the Lincoln Memorial.
Beautiful illustrations by Leonard Jenkins.
Beautiful illustrations by Leonard Jenkins.
October 20, 2011
Story of Oscar Chapman who arranged for Marian Anderson to sing in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., after she was rejected by the DAR who own Constitution Hall. Mr. Chapman had experienced and seen injustice when he was a child growing up in Virginia. Good example of how a child can grow up and change things.
December 15, 2013
Great book to use in a teaching unit during African American History month. Wonderful true story about obstacles faced by Marian Anderson in trying to perform in the United States. Read it together with any full length biography about her. Deborah Hopkinson's works are always well-written and enjoyable!
February 3, 2010
In looking for books for black history month I came across this one. This is a tale of Oscar Chapman who helped to get Marian Anderson to sing at the Lincoln Memorial. I liked the illustrations better in "When Marian Sang".
February 12, 2012
Great book for Black History month....
April 19, 2013
Good read-aloud to use for unit on Civil Rights, famous African Americans, etc. I already do a lesson on Marian Anderson, so I would include this book with my other materials.
October 8, 2013
This book is wonderful the painting in it was marvelous and gave the book life. I loved that this book was based on a true story. It definitely taught me a lesson about history I didn't even know.
June 15, 2016
Educationally sound!!! Everyday that I breathe air, there is something new that I discover; this was my discovery for today!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews