When Marian Sang By Pam Munoz Ryan #8
Illustrated By Brian Selznick

Ryan, Pam Munoz. ( ). When marian sang.

Grade Level: K-4

Awards: Robert F. Sibert Honor Book; Orbis Pictus, ALA Notable, NCTE Notable Children Award in Language Arts; William Allen White Children Book Award

Standards: Social Studies (Civics, History, Economics) Acquire the characteristics to be a responsible citizen (2a. Explain the importance of Americans sharing history and supporting certain values, principles, and beliefs)

Author’s Credibility: In the author and illustrator’s notes, Ryan and Selznick discussed how and why they decided to write the book. Ryan loved spirituals, gospel music, musicals, and opera. They began their research on the book after they heard Selznick’s uncle speak of meeting Marian Anderson and Eleanor Roosevelt. They visited the archives at Metropolitan Opera and the Marian Anderson Historical Society. In researching further, Selznick found out that his uncle did not meet these ladies. Selznick used photographs and pictures to illustrate the story.

Access Features: Notable Dates in Marian Anderson’s Life (timeline), Selected Discography, author and illustrator’s notes.

Summary: This is a picture book biography of Marian Anderson. Marian began her singing career in her local church when she was a little girl. At age eighteen, Marian went to apply to music school, but was ignored and finally told her, “We don’t take colored”. Marian was heartbroken, but persistence. It appeared that Marian was welcomed in every country except her own country. When President Roosevelt finally intervened, Marian was invited to sing at the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday.
Her famous debut came when she was invited to perform at the Metropolitan Opera when she was 57 years old. Her dream, which once seemed too far to ever reach, finally became true. She became the first African American to sing at the Metropolitan Opera.

Other Books: The Voice That Challenged A Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggles for Equal Rights, Russell Freedom; My Lord, What a Morning!, Marian Anderson; Marian Anderson: A Singer’s Journey, Allan Keiler; Marian Anderson: A Great Singer, Patricia McKissack.

Response: I loved this book and all the vivid descriptions and details used. I loved the big and colorful illustrations Selznick used to bring the reader into the moment. On some pages, there were no pictures, just words or songs. Ryan provided sufficient background information for clarity. Although Brian questioned the reliability of his uncle story, he included him in the book. I would use this book with my black history study, civil rights, values and beliefs.