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WHAT I HAD WAS SINGING: Marian Anderson
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From: Jeri Ferris <jchaseferris>
Date: Sun, 15 Dec 2002 22:03:23 -0700
I've enjoyed and benefited from the discussion of WHEN MARIAN SANG. It is indeed a beautiful book; a rich presentation of an extraordinary woman's talent, courage and perseverance in the face of injustice and discrimination.
For those who want a longer book on Marian Anderson in addition to WHEN MARIAN SANG, may I suggest WHAT I HAD WAS SINGING, a 1994 biography of Miss Anderson
(by me). WHAT I HAD is:
1994 Kirkus Reviews Best of the Issue
1995 CBC, NCSS Notable Children?s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies
1995 Carter G. Woodson Award Winner, ?most distinguished book written for young readers depicting ethnic diversity in the United States?
When I present WHAT I HAD WAS SINGING to classes, I begin with her recording of
"Deep River." Then, with her voice and presence established, children are even more struck by the terrible culture and prejudice of the Jim Crow era which confronted Miss Anderson at every turn. They are shocked, for example, that this young woman with this stunning voice was forbidden to attend the music school in Philadelphia to which she had applied. (Easter Sunday and the DAR receive full attention, of course. I discussed this book with a California DAR chapter some years ago and received rather heated responses!)
As Linnea said, this story brings forth deep emotions. It's hard to read without tears the moment in which Marian steps out in front of the seated Abraham Lincoln and begins to sing "My country 'tis of thee ...... sweet land of liberty ......." The editor of Opera News wrote: One did not have to be black or American or even a music lover to be touched by Marian Anderson in a way that words cannot describe. "One only had to be human."
Jeri Jeri Chase Ferris Author of award-winning biographies on women and minorities
(2000), REMEMBER THE LADIES: The Story of Abigail Adams
(2002) DEMANDING JUSTICE: The Story of Mary Ann Shadd Cary
(soon) SURROUNDED: The Siege of Leningrad (historical fiction) http://www.childrensauthorsnetwork.com
Received on Sun 15 Dec 2002 11:03:23 PM CST
Date: Sun, 15 Dec 2002 22:03:23 -0700
I've enjoyed and benefited from the discussion of WHEN MARIAN SANG. It is indeed a beautiful book; a rich presentation of an extraordinary woman's talent, courage and perseverance in the face of injustice and discrimination.
For those who want a longer book on Marian Anderson in addition to WHEN MARIAN SANG, may I suggest WHAT I HAD WAS SINGING, a 1994 biography of Miss Anderson
(by me). WHAT I HAD is:
1994 Kirkus Reviews Best of the Issue
1995 CBC, NCSS Notable Children?s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies
1995 Carter G. Woodson Award Winner, ?most distinguished book written for young readers depicting ethnic diversity in the United States?
When I present WHAT I HAD WAS SINGING to classes, I begin with her recording of
"Deep River." Then, with her voice and presence established, children are even more struck by the terrible culture and prejudice of the Jim Crow era which confronted Miss Anderson at every turn. They are shocked, for example, that this young woman with this stunning voice was forbidden to attend the music school in Philadelphia to which she had applied. (Easter Sunday and the DAR receive full attention, of course. I discussed this book with a California DAR chapter some years ago and received rather heated responses!)
As Linnea said, this story brings forth deep emotions. It's hard to read without tears the moment in which Marian steps out in front of the seated Abraham Lincoln and begins to sing "My country 'tis of thee ...... sweet land of liberty ......." The editor of Opera News wrote: One did not have to be black or American or even a music lover to be touched by Marian Anderson in a way that words cannot describe. "One only had to be human."
Jeri Jeri Chase Ferris Author of award-winning biographies on women and minorities
(2000), REMEMBER THE LADIES: The Story of Abigail Adams
(2002) DEMANDING JUSTICE: The Story of Mary Ann Shadd Cary
(soon) SURROUNDED: The Siege of Leningrad (historical fiction) http://www.childrensauthorsnetwork.com
Received on Sun 15 Dec 2002 11:03:23 PM CST
