Nonfiction Monday

Nonfiction Monday is hosted today by Playing By the Book.

My selection is "When Marian sang : the true recital of Marian Anderson the voice of a century" by Pam Munoz Ryan with illustrations by Brian Selznick.

Ryan and Selznick once again join forces. this time in the story of the extraordinary contralto, Marian Anderson.  This collaboration beautifully recounts some of the most notable moments in her life and in the history of the civil rights struggle.  Despite a plea from First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, Anderson was denied the opportunity to sing in Washington's Constitution Hall.  She sang on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial instead to an audience of thousands.  She was the first African American to sing at the Metropolitan Opera.  She sang at the inaugurations of Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  Selznick makes full use of the musical theme in the design and presentation as he highlights the experiences of this American legend.

An extensive section, "Encore" written in two sections -- words from the author and words from the illustrator -- elaborates on details from Anderson's life and includes personal remarks from Ryan and Selznick.  A Timeline and Discography conclude the book.

For your enjoyment -- a short film about the life and music of Marian Anderson.