When Marian Sang

Pam Munoz Ryan writes an amazingly touching and inspiring biography about Marian Anderson. Marian Anderson was a black singer who was considered one of the all time best singers. She was born in the late 1800's during a time when racism was still very prevalent. This book takes the reader on the journey of Marian's life. She discovers in her life that although things get tough to keep following her dreams.

This book uses amazing language and vocabulary. With words like harmony, tragedy, endured, and so much more. The book also incorporates many of the songs that Marian sang throughout her life. Many of these songs are laced with similes and metaphors.

Sometimes I feel like a motherless child
Sometimes I feel like a motherless child
Sometimes I feel like a motherless child
A long ways from home. A long ways from home.

Sometimes I feel like I'm almost gone
Sometimes I feel like I'm almost gone
Sometimes I feel like I'm almost gone
A long ways from home. A long ways from home.

This book would be perfect to use when teaching biographies. This book would give a new perspective on a person that is not talked a lot about. Marian Anderson would be a great role model to study in class and the perfect example of someone following their dreams. 

Check out a love clip of Marian singing at the Lincoln Memorial. A performance that will forever live on!


If you like this book by Pam Munoz Ryan you need to read Esperanza Rising. If you enjoyed the illustrations by Brian Selznick, then read The Invention of Hugo Cabret. You won't be sorry you read either of these books!