THE VOICE THAT CHALLENGED A NATION: MARION ANDERSON AND THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUAL RIGHTS by Russell Freedman

THE VOICE THAT CHALLENGED A NATION: MARION ANDERSON AND THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUAL RIGHTS by Russell Freedman

Bibliography: Freedman, Russell. 2004. THE VOICE THAT CHALLENGED A NATION: MARION ANDERSON AND THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUAL RIGHTS. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. ISBN: 978-0-618-15976-5.

Plot Summary: This story follows the wonderful, inspiring story of Marion Anderson, an African American contralto throughout the 1900’s. Marion faced prejudice, anger, fear and the Jim Crow laws in the South, but she never let them dampen her spirit.  The story follows her life from her poverty stricken upbringing, to her celebrated carrier in the U.S., Canada and Europe, to her astounding concert on the steps of the Lincoln Monument, to her death in 1993.   

Critical Analysis: This story is quite possibly the most touching I’ve ever read.  The author really pulls at the reader’s heartstrings throughout the entire thing.  It was an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end.  The black and white photographs throughout beautifully accent the story, allowing the reader to be transported to the 1920’s, 30’s, and beyond.  The story is inspiring and the pictures draw the reader ever further in.  Marion Anderson’s humble, proud; strong personality drove this story and made this reader extremely interested in her and her music.  After reading this book, I spent the better part of an hour listening to her music.

Review Excerpts:

·      Winner of the Sibert Medal

·      School Library Journal- “This inspiring work once again demonstrates Freedman’s talent for showing how a person’s life is molded by its historical and cultural context.”

·      Kirkus Reviews- “a fully realized portrait of a musical artist and her times…an outstanding, handsome biography. Freedman at his best.”

Connections:

·      This book would make a great study for a college class

·      Great history and civil rights lesson

·      Other books by this author:

o   Freedman, Russell. 2008. ELEANOR ROOSEVELT: A LIFE OF DISCOVERY. ISBN: 978-1435286030

o   Freedman, Russell.  2010. CHILDREN OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION. ISBN: 978-0547480350

o   Freedman, Russell.  1990. COWBOYS OF THE WILD WEST. ISBN: 978-0395548004