WHEN MARIAN SANG The True Recital of Marian Anderson

Gail Nelson reads this picture book biography of the great Marian Anderson with excellent expression and a pace that allows new readers time to follow along and look at the pictures. Lyrics to Anderson’s songs are part of almost every spread, and the producers wisely include original recordings of Anderson herself singing them. When Anderson sings on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial the spiritual “Nobody Knows the Trouble I Seen,” a wordless illustration of the crowd watches her, and the music creates the emotion of this historic moment. Sadly, the book’s afterword is not read on any of the tracks. Still, this production takes an excellent book and makes it stunning. A.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2005 ALA Notable Recording, 2005 Audie Award Finalist © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 05]