Marian Anderson: A Great Singer cover

Marian Anderson: A Great Singer

Author: McKissack, Patricia

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)
Book Level 3.0
Points 0.5
Fiction/Nonfiction Nonfiction
Word Count 1149
Points per Word 0.000435
Page Count 32
Points per Page 0.015625

Description

Born in 1897, Marian Anderson grew up to become one of the most celebrated opera singers of the twentieth century. Despite facing racial discrimination throughout her career, she became the first African American to perform on the stage of the New York Metropolitan Opera. This biography follows her journey from a young girl with a remarkable voice to an internationally renowned artist who later represented the United States at the United Nations.

Quick Summary

If you're looking for a quick but powerful biography, Marian Anderson's story is one that really sticks with you. Marian grew up loving to sing, but because she was Black, she faced closed doors and cruel treatment everywhere she tried to perform yet she never stopped working toward her dreams, eventually becoming one of the most celebrated opera singers of the 20th century. Kids who enjoy stories about people who overcome hard things, or anyone curious about music history and civil rights, will find this especially meaningful. The book is short and easy to read, which makes it a great choice for kids who want something substantial but not overwhelming. There's nothing too intense here just a honest look at the unfairness Marian faced and how she handled it with grace and determination. If your child liked "Who Was Marian Anderson?" or any book about groundbreaking Black artists, this is a fantastic companion read that tells her incredible story in an accessible way.