BIBLIOGRAPHY
Freedman, Russell. 2003.THE VOICE THAT CHALLENGED A NATION:
MARIAN ANDERSON AND THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUAL RIGHTS. New York City, NY: Clarion
Books. ISBN 2003019558
PLOT SUMMARY
The Voice That
Challenged a Nation is the story of Marian Anderson and her pursuit of
singing during a time when black Americans were not considered equals. Marian
Anderson did not start as a woman who wanted to be a spokesperson but her
talent led to the fight. Russell Freedman begins Marian’s story at her famous
and groundbreaking Easter performance at the base of the Lincoln Memorial.
Freedman allows you to be there for just a few seconds before he shifts to a
biography of Marian’s life. Freedman starts with her singing during childhood,
her celebrated European tours and then ending with her voice becoming a symbol
of the civil rights movement. This book dives into the inequality that Marian
faced as she tried to navigate the world of music during a time when black
Americans were not given the same opportunities. The famous controversy with
the DAR blocking Marian from singing at the Constitution Hall is explained as
well as her friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt. This book expertly explores a
woman who had no intention of becoming a voice for inequality, her rise through
the music industry and the struggles she had to get through to sing at the Lincoln
Memorial.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Russell Freedman tells the story of Marian Anderson through
the use of interviews, documents, biographies and beautiful photographs. Freedman’s
words and diction will be easily understood by students looking to learn more
about Marian Anderson but the heft of the subject and cultural exploration by
Freedman will appeal to adult readers as well.
The use of primary sources also helps immerse the reader in
Marian’s story. In Chapter 5, Banned by
the DAR, Freedman uses newspaper articles to lay the scene for Marian’s
exclusion from Constitution Hall and Eleanor Roosevelt’s subsequent exit from
all DAR related activities. This chapter perfectly captures Freedman’s message.
Marian Anderson did not have to do anything to be a voice for the Civil Rights
Movement, her actions and message spoke for her. Marian was able to inspire
those around her to act by being who she was and not backing down to those who
would segregate her.
Chapter Six, Singing
to the Nation, allows readers to feel the emotional weight of Marian’s concert
at the Lincoln Memorial by providing a double page spread photograph of the
concert. The photograph is a sea of people who were likely inspired by Marian.
With not end to the crown in sight, Freedman allows the reader to understand
just how important this concert was to Marian and the nation as a whole.
Freedman also provides a discography for those interested in
hearing the voice that began a cultural movement
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
KIRKUS REVIEW: "a fully realized portrait of a musical
artist and her times...an outstanding, handsome biography. Freedman at his
best."
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: "Freedman provides thrilling
accounts...copious quotes...allow her resonant voice--and personal grace--to
fill these pages...An engrossing biography."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "This inspiring work once again
demonstrates Freedman's talent for showing how a person's life is molded by its
historical and cultural context."
BOOKLIST: "In his signature prose, plain yet eloquent.
Freedman tells Anderson's triumphant story . . . Older readers and adults will
want this too."
VOYA: "a masterful biography...The prose is sharp and
clean with generous use of quotations...a superb choice."
*Allow students to listen to some of the songs listed in
selected discography the back of the book. Students may better connect to
Marian Anderson’s life after hearing her voice and the songs she sings.
*Other books women fighting for equal rights:
Coles, Robert. THE STORY OF RUBY BRIDGES. ISBN 0439472265
Weatherford, Carole. VOICE OF FREEDOM: FANNIE LOU HAMER.
ISBN 0763665312
Alko, Selina. THE CASE FOR LOVING: THE FIGHT FOR INTERRACIAL
MARRIAGE. ISBN 0545478537
No comments:
Post a Comment