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

-from Wikipedia

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Freedman, Russell. 2004. THE VOICE THAT CHALLENGED A NATION: MARIAN ANDERSON AND THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUAL RIGHTS. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0-618-15976-2 

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This book is much more than just the story of Marian Anderson’s life and career. Her story of talent and triumph is told concurrently with the struggles Anderson encountered for her civil rights. Her youth was riddled with hardship, with the loss of her father and the poverty that resulted. Despite her exceptional talent, Marian was denied opportunities because of the color of her skin. However, her relentless pursuit of excellence resulted in a legendary music career that transcended racial stigmas and prejudice. Significant relationships, like the one she had with Eleanor Roosevelt, led to a lifetime of meaningful and monumental experiences. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this groundbreaking biography, the richness of Anderson’s voice is tragically juxtaposed against the depravity of racism. Chapter one is not about the beginning of Anderson’s life; the book begins by spotlighting her historical concert at the Lincoln Memorial, where Marian Anderson sings of freedom, in freedom. Freedman does a great job of exhibiting the exceptionality of Marian Anderson’s vocal talent and how that exceptionality paved the road for  liberty and equal rights for all. The majority of this book is about Anderson’s vocal journey, with secondary references of her personal relationships. There is a recurring theme of Anderson’s grace under pressure and her graciousness toward those around her. 

The black and white photos help the reader better understand the people and places of Anderson’s life. They reveal her elegance and her popularity.  

The latter part of the book highlights the diplomatic roles Anderson played, from her goodwill tour through Asia to her service as the U.S. delegate to the United Nations.  Her accolades and her activism are noteworthy, and Freedman honors both. 

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S):

Newbery Honor Book, 2005

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2005

Horn Book Magazine Starred Review (May/June 2004): “Because his account of Anderson's burgeoning career is so comprehensive, Freedman gives the familiar events surrounding the Lincoln Memorial concert fresh resonance and drama, and here moves into his forte, showing the accomplishments of an individual as both an actor in and an emblem of her times.”

Kirkus Reviews Starred (April 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.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*This book can be a great addition to a ‘Black History’ display or study, along with: 

Aanu Zoboi, Ibi. Star child: a biographical constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler, ISBN 978-1-53798-858-0

Hoose, Phillip M. Claudette Colvin : twice toward justice, ISBN 978-1-42994-821-0

Joy, Angela. Choosing Brave, ISBN 978-1-51605-137-3

*Other good middle grade books about Marian Anderson: 

Russell-Brown, Katheryn. Marian Anderson (She Persisted), ISBN 978-1-66883-305-6

Ryan, Pam Munoz. When Marian sang : the true recital of Marian Anderson the voice of a century, ISBN 978-0-439-26967-4