Russell Freedman enjoys an impeccable reputation for writing thoroughly researched and accurate nonfiction. It is solidly documented, and provides sources for every quoted statement. The author includes six pages of chapter notes, selected bibliography and discography, and acknowledgements and picture credits. A table of contents with chapter titles and the alphabetical index make the book suitable for research projects.
Freedman accurately depicts the biases of the time through objective descriptions of the words and actions of individuals. The emotional impact of the injustice is conveyed through quoted statements, rather than Freedman�s own opinions. An example of this is seen in the remarks of then Interior Secretary Harold L. Ickes: ��This is such an astounding discrimination against equal rights that I am loath to believe that the Daughters of the American Revoluation should invoke such a rule.�� (p. 53)
After the opening chapter of the book, which describes the Easter concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, the book is organized as a chronological narrative of Ms. Anderson�s life. Although sources for quotations are not cited within the text of the story, they are meticulously detailed in the chapter notes at the back of the book. This enhances the narrative quality of the story, and avoids the distraction of explanatory citations.
The design of the book is reminiscent of the historical era it portrays. The sepia tone cover and end papers, black and white photos, and traditional fonts set the tone of that time period. The layout of the photographs have an art-deco flavor and design, with circular photos superimposed over rectangular ones. (p. 52, 73) The book is a photo-essay of Marian Anderson�s life, and the captioned photographs provide a balanced, if condensed, version of her biography. Besides photographs, images include recital programs, newspaper clippings, and excerpts from songs. Each chapter title is followed by a quotation that captures the essence of the chapter.
Although Russell Freedman is a stickler for research and accuracy, he pays just as much attention to the elements of beautifully written prose. His use of imagery has the power to place the reader within the story: �Her opening number was �America,� and the words �sweet land of liberty� poured from her almost as a prayer.� (p. 65) This is the last sentence before a dramatic double-page photograph taken over the shoulder of Marian Anderson, capturing the vastness of the crowd that seemed to flow all the way to the Washington Monument. On the page following that awe-inspiring photograph are the words to �America.� (p.68)
This book is well-suited for older readers, and fills in some of the blanks left by other biographies of the great singer. �Where other juvenile accounts of Anderson's life have portrayed her as a noble spirituals-singing civil rights heroine, Freedman corrects the balance, showing the singer's intensive study of and dedication to the classical concert and lieder repertory.� (Horn Book Magazine, May 1, 2004) The grace Marian Anderson displayed in the face of an unfair, ungraciousness society are a testament to her dignity, poise, and character. �This inspiring work once again demonstrates Freedman's talent for showing how a person's life is molded by its historical and cultural context.� (School Library Journal, July 1, 2004)
Source
Books in Print [database online]. Available from http://www.booksinprint.com. Accessed 07 February 05.
Awards for The Voice That Challenged a Nation
Newbery Honor Book
Bccb Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award
ALA Notable Books for Children
Relevant Sites
Marian Anderson: A Life in Song
Meet Russell Freedman
School of Library and Information Studies
TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY