About this book

Marian Anderson is best known for her historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, which drew an integrated crowd of 75,000 people in pre-Civil Rights America. While this momentous event showcased the uniqueness of her voice, the strength of her character, and the struggles of the times in which she lived, it is only part of her story. Like the operatic arias Marian would come to sing, Ryan's text is as moving as a libretto, and Selznick's pictures as exquisitely detailed and elaborately designed as a stage set. What emerges most profoundly from their shared vision is a role model of courage.

Reviews

Distinctions and Praise for When Marian Sang: (partial listing)

Robert F. Sibert Honor Book

ALA Notable Children's Book

Orbis Pictus Award Winner for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children

* "Linguistically and aesthetically, the book is a marvel of unified design . . . . Share this feast for the eyes and the soul with a wide audience." --School Library Journal, starred review

* "This book masterfully distills the events in the life of an extraordinary musician . . . . Stellar." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Perfectly paced and perfectly pitched, this never loses sight of the fact that Marian Anderson was both a world-class musician and a powerful symbol to her people. A bravura performance." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review