When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson

Undoubtedly one of America's greatest singers, Anderson was hardly known in her own country because of her race--music schools ignored her applications ("We don't take colored!") and even after she began singing professionally, many venues only featured white performers. Ryan's well-paced story becomes especially poignant as she recounts Anderson's overwhelming success in Europe ("one newspaper in Sweden called it 'Marian Fever' ... In Austria, the world-famous conductor Arturo Toscanini announced that what he had heard, one was privileged to hear only once in a hundred years"). The book reaches its climax with a wordless, deep brown two-page spread from Selznick, a crowd's-eye view of Anderson singing at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, an historic concert that drew an integrated audience of over 75,000.

Ryan's simple, metered text (punctuated frequently by lyrics) captures the quiet drama of Anderson's story, and kids will especially identify with the confusion and frustration of young Marian. And as with the pair's previous collaboration, Selznick's rich illustrations ably convey the undeniable strength and courage of a talented, determined woman. (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes

Product Description
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, & 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, & Selznick's pictures as exquisitely detailed & elaborately designed as a stage set. What emerges most profoundly from their shared vision is a role model of courage.

She went to a music school and she patiently in line for an application. The girl behind the counter helped everyone else but Marian. The lady didn't let her have an application because she was colored. She grew older and married a fine man who respected her singing. She went to a master singer and he loved her singing so she sang and sang till the end of her days.


The Best Book   November 17, 2003
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This book is undoubtedly one of the best books that I have ever read for my class. It teaches people, both young and old, a little piece of our American history including the Great Depression and segregation. With it, the tandum of Ryan and Selznick provide a general overview of history realia. Overall, this piece is a great resources to read for all people.


One of my favorites for my own classroom!   July 12, 2003
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

When this book first came out, I was ecstatic that someone took the time to make the life of Marian Anderson accessible to children. Too often classical singers of the Civil Rights era are overlooked and forgotten. The combination of the gorgeous illustrations and lovely text make this book exceptional. Although not the easiest book for children to read on their own, as a read-aloud in a classroom setting, it can make an incredible impact. It is an excellent book to incite discussion on many subjects and it truly inspires children to pursue their dreams despite the troubles they may face.
The timeless lyrics interwoven within the story comment wonderfully on Marian's life and the perseverance with which she dealt with her struggles. The beauty of this book is that it focuses on the accomplishments of her life and the overcoming of disappointments, not the actual disappointments themselves. This lack of sensationalism gives the book dignity. This is definitely one book that I will treasure and hope to share many times over with students in my own classroom.


Singing for the Soul   June 23, 2003
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

WHEN MARIAN SANG beautifully depicts the life of Marian Anderson, a wonderful singer who broke racial barriers to become one of the most world-renowned performers. The story tells of her humble upbringing in Philadelphia and the support she garnered from her family, her church, and her community. It also tells of the discrimination that Marian faced when trying to learn music and later when she attempted to perform. Yet, Marian persevered. She went to Europe where she received so much attention and acclaim that it was said the people suffered from "Marian Fever." She later returned to the United States, and fought prejudices and discrimination by performing at the Lincoln Memorial. She was finally able to break down racial barriers and perform at the Metropolitan Opera. At last, Marian felt free to sing.

WHEN MARIAN SANG is an inspirational and educational biography of a great performer. The book gives details in a poignant, yet simplistic way that people of all ages will be able to appreciate. The illustrations are truly breathtaking. I enjoyed the fact that verses of songs that Marian sang were intertwined within the text to add depth to the story. I was also impressed with the detailed information about Marian's life and the fact that her discography was included in the back of the book. Pam Munoz Ryan and Brian Selznick have done an excellent job in telling the story of Marian Anderson. I look forward to future works from this dynamic duo.

Reviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers