Saturday, April 19, 2008

When Marian Sang



Module 8

Ryan, Pam Munoz. 2002. When Marian sang. Ill. by Brian Selznick. New York: Scholastic Press.

Marian Anderson, one of the greatest singers of all time, was also the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera. This woman from a humble background, never lost her humble spirit, even though her life helped to bring great social change in the United States. In this well researched biography we learn how this talented woman filled audiences all over the world with awe. Yet in her own country she was prohibited from performing in Constitution Hall because of a white performers only policy. The book documents facts from her early and adult life in an interesting, readable story fashion. Illustrations by Brian Selznick, done in Liquitex acrylics, are rendered in warm brown tones. In his notes at the end of the book Selznick relates that he used photographs he took of Marians' house to help him research before doing his illustrations. He and Munoz also did visual research at the Archives of the Metropolitan Opera which lends additional authenticity. The book and its illustrations have a stage theme at the beginning and end. The author/illustrator notes at the end are appropriately called "Encore" and "Ovations" which build on the idea. Extensive research by both author and illustrator lend accuracy from both factual and visual fronts. A list of notable dates gives an accurate timeline of events which can be documented. The author also includes lines from actual songs sung by Anderson sprinkled throughout the book. A Selected Discography is included at the end for those who want to hear Anderson's talent. This book is recommended for ages 5-10.

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