Review by Booklist Review
In 1900, a baby was born in Brooklyn who would grow up to be a composer whose music would one day be synonymous with the sound of America. With a rhythmic text that dances and sings, Mang chronicles Aaron Copland's quest to portray the diversity of America. She notes that whether the music sounded like the "humming" jazz of Harlem, the "soft hills of Pennsylvania," or parties "from California down to Mexico," people heard his music and thought, "This sounds like us!" Her vibrant gouache illustrations tell a similar story, such as a scene showing Copland's hands playing on black and white piano keys that merge into a cityscape filled with high-rises. The story highlights his perseverance, especially his attempts to capture the unique American musical soundscape. Another scene shows Copland in the company of his partner, reading an encouraging note from his mentor and teacher, Nadia, while a newspaper questions whether his work is "music or noise." A wealth of back matter enriches the main story, with extensive biographical details about Copland's life and work, listening and reading suggestions, an author's note on the personal impact of Copland, and a brief bibliography of sources. This engaging and thoughtful introduction to an essential American artist belongs in all public and school libraries.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--3--From a very young age, Aaron Copland (1900--1990) noticed and reveled in the music of the world around him, from the traditional sounds of the piano to the melodies found in the bustle of city life. And as America spiraled into the Great Depression, Copland began to explore how artists bear witness in times of struggle and how music can bring everyone together. This approachable nonfiction picture book introduces readers to the creative life of the iconic American musician, known for the ballet Appalachian Spring, among others. At once inspiring and thought-provoking, this book recounts the many ways in which the composer, pianist, and conductor challenged the status quo and showcased the true sounds of America in his music--jazz, folk songs, and tunes played in dance halls. Colorful, child-friendly illustrations stirringly depict the people and the experiences expressed in the music while helping young readers better connect with Copland's life story. Delivered in the present tense, the narrative makes Copland's choices feel immediate, and his life story will resonate with elementary-aged readers. Back matter includes a more extensive biography, author's note, bibliography, and suggested reading and listening for kids. VERDICT Especially well-suited to being paired with recordings of Copland's music, this accessible biography effectively connects young readers to the artist's life and the ongoing relevance of his work into the present day.
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
How a child of Russian immigrants set out to write music that sounded like his new country. "This is a story about music," writes Mang, repeating the line often enough that it becomes a refrain. Within a subtly rhythmic account of how Aaron Copland became one of this country's most acclaimed and successful composers, the author describes how he learned to incorporate street sounds from his Brooklyn childhood, strains of jazz heard in Harlem, symphonic techniques learned in Paris in the 1920s, and, later on, melodies from Appalachian and Mexican folk traditions into orchestral and ballet music that profoundly "sounds like America." Both in the main section and the lengthy afterword, Mang beautifully captures her subject's thinking and process: "Symphonies are decadent with layers and layers of sound. Aaron seeks something new. 'What if we make space for new things to grow?'" Some of his "smashing, crashing" compositions did confuse many listeners, and in the backmatter, she frankly acknowledges that thanks to being Jewish, gay, and deeply engaged in leftist social causes, he sometimes ran into difficulties, particularly during the McCarthy era. Still, few American instrumental compositions are played more to this day. In her joyfully, effervescent illustrations, multiracial, multicultural groups sing, dance, and march on the way to a final display of modern young music lovers who are the most diverse of all. "What do you hear? What song will you write?" she asks them. A triumphant fanfare for a great American composer. (suggested listening, bibliography)(Picture-book biography. 6-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
