The use of sepia in the illustrations is beautifully rich and effective for a historical setting. Selznick has a glowing quality about his work that shows the feeling and spirit of the people he portrays. I think the brown illustrations also deemphasize (intentionally or not) the fact that the people are black-with the focus totally on them as people.

The text is very informative and gentle in its discussion of Marian Anderson's extraordinary life and ability. The tribulations of black people during the time are not glossed over. It is an extraordinarily powerful and beautiful book.

related-Marian Anderson, famous singers, concerts, Lincoln Memorial, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jim Crow laws, Black history, travel in Europe, performance arts, historical fiction
RL=3rd-5th