1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Freedman, Russell. 2004. THE VOICE THAT CHALLENGED A NATION: MARIAN ANDERSON AND THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUAL RIGHTS. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0618159762.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
The Voice That Challenged a Nation tells of Marian Anderson’s life and her triumphant musical career as a contralto singer. Her rise to fame flourished in Europe long before thriving in America. The potent racial divide that existed in America during that period delayed the acclaim she deserved. After years of compromise and inner discontent, Anderson’s voice, whether in song or speech, became every Black American’s voice and pride.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
If I was limited to a word or small phrase of this book I would say, LIFE-BREATHING! Freedman’s narration of Marian Anderson’s struggles and triumphs in her life and career as well as his consideration of dates, newspaper clippings, photographs, copies of concert programs, and use of quotes transports the reader to not only Ms. Anderson’s sorrows and joys, but to a morbid time in America when tolerance for racial injustice was acceptable by many and fought by few.
Russell Freedman’s credentials as a Newbery Medalist and Robert F. Sibert Award winner, his judgment to include a Table of Contents, Bibliography, Discography, Acknowledgements and Picture Credits, and Index in this book, attest to the accuracy of this literature. Ms. Anderson’s personal writings and first-person accounts of other individuals also give credence. The full page spread of Marian standing before an audience of 75,000 people on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial leaves you in awe. The realities of racism in America, which are confirmed by news paper headlines and Jim Crow law segregation signs, breathe life into this biography.
Chapter one marks a pivotal moment in the lives Marian and many Americans. Though quiet and shy by nature, Marian demonstrated her allegiance with those fighting for racial equality—“Barred from Constitution Hall, she would give a free open-air concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial” (3). The chapters that ensue—along with their poignant titles—reference aids, and picture captions solidify the logical text structure Freedman chose. The biography progresses with a clear timeline of her childhood and adulthood; with vivid flashbacks from Marian. The final chapters encapsulate Marian’s vocal genius and her struggle to confront and take a stand against the racism that plagued America.
What is most striking in this book is how the author traces Marian’s life. He first acquaints the reader with a monumental moment in Marian’s life and its impact on America’s history; then delves into her humble beginnings. Knowing that Marian was born thirty years before slavery was abolished helps the reader imagine the setting and understand the modest life Marian lived. The reader also understands her passion for music when Freedman invites us to peek into a memory of her fourth grade classroom, which was next door to the music room. “I did not hear a word my teacher spoke. I was as completely in that other room as one could be while one’s body was elsewhere,” Marian exclaimed (5). The black and white photographs, which are an appropriate complement to the text, are another appealing feature of the text.
Without a doubt, Russell Freedman, poured his energy into the development of this informational book. His ability to tell about Marian Anderson with raw facts and direct quotes in an eloquent and literary manner is uncanny. Impressive is his scope of writing two contrasting experiences and capturing the essence of both. Although her musical genius was recognized by the United States and Europe, it was the treatment of this distinguished African American artist that set these two nations apart. With regards to her social experience in Scandinavia, Marian divulged, “People…accepted you as an individual in your own right, judging you for your qualities as a human being and artist and for nothing else…” (37).
Along with the events of her musical career, the author enthralls the reader with illustrations of Marian’s tenacious, yet mild-mannered character. Despite her meager earnings, Marian regularly sent money home to provide for her family and ultimately saved enough money to help her mother with a down payment on a house (23). As a result of her giving spirit and determination to succeed, the reader develops an affinity for Marian. The many details provided give you a sense of realism and Freedman’s perspective and passion for social justice and fairness. His voice breathes life into this exceptionally written informational text.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
2005 Robert F. Sibert Award
2005 Newbery Honor Book
Review in CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: "[A] beautiful biography....[P]erfectly written....You must own this book."
Review in 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."
Review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "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
*Have students debate the social issues of the time.
*Create a timeline of events in Marian Anderson's life.
*Analyze the sentiments of racism in America and Europe.
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