The Voice that Challenged A Nation: Marian Anderson and The Struggle for Equal Rights

Freedman, R. (2004). The voice that challenged a nation : Marian Anderson and the struggle for equal rights. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 978-1-4155-9962-4

Plot Summary:

Freedman tells the story of a young girl named Marian who sings in church and lives in the United States during a time of civil right inequality. As a woman Marian becomes a world famous contralto singer with a voice that conductor Arturo Toscanini said, "is heard once in a hundred years.” Freedman includes many photographs, newspaper clippings and reproductions of concert programs in his biography.

Analysis:

This biography of Marian Anderson is a great example of how some of the great influencers of the civil rights movement were not spokesperson’s by nature, but ‘real’ men and women living within the constraints of segregation in the United States.  Marian was a young girl of 6 years old when she started showing a special interest in singing. She began her career as a singer in her church choir. As she grew, she was able to acquire things such as lesson and music tutor from the support of her church fundraising.  Though she had the money in many instances she was turned away from music schools in the United States and certain American music tutors because of the color of her skin. She didn’t understand, and she just wanted to pursue the art of singing. She was able to go to Europe in the early 1930’s and sang and gained much notability for her singing.  When she returned and sang concerts she had great reviews, yet, she was not allowed to hold a concert at Constitution Hall because the D.A.R. owned and had declared that “white artists only” were permitted to appear at their concert hall. When this occurred, a large concert to set place at the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1939, which would be able to hold far more people than any auditorium could hold, and would send a message of revolt against racial discrimination. Her concert that day made musical and civil rights history, and is recognized by many as a milestone in the struggle for equal rights. While this biography consists of a lot of text, it could be overwhelming for young readers, but those are that interested in music, black history, &/or segregation, will learn so much from reading Anderson’s biography.  The many photographs & artifacts that Freedman uses are great for readers.

Review Excerpts:

Newbery Honor Book (2005)

Silbert Medal (2005)

Starred review on PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY (03/2004) “Copious quotes from Anderson's autobiography, papers and interviews allow her resonant voice—and personal grace—to animate these pages.“

Review on KIRKUS (04/2004) “Well-chosen, well-placed archival photographs, clear writing, abundant research seamlessly woven into the text, and careful documentation make an outstanding, handsome biography. Freedman at his best.”

Connections:

Social Studies/History Connection-The book is a great way to have students read about some of the hardships that artists of color had to deal with in their career during the time of segregation in the United States.