
Reach for this book when your child is beginning to notice that some paths in life seem closed to certain people, or when they need to see how a singular talent requires the fuel of discipline to truly soar. This lyrical biography follows Mary Violet Leontyne Price from her humble beginnings in the segregated South to her status as a global opera icon. It elegantly weaves together themes of racial justice, the power of a supportive community, and the quiet dignity of a woman who refused to let her voice be silenced by the prejudices of her time. Parents will appreciate the way it introduces historical reality with grace and hope, making it an excellent choice for sparking conversations about civil rights and the arts. It is a sophisticated yet accessible portrait of a trailblazer whose 'vocal miracle' changed the face of the Metropolitan Opera forever.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book addresses segregation and systemic racism directly but in a way that emphasizes Price's poise and triumph. The tone is secular and grounded in historical reality, with a hopeful and celebratory resolution.
A 7-year-old child who loves singing or performing but might be feeling discouraged by a challenge, or a student beginning to ask questions about the Civil Rights Movement through the lens of individual achievement.
Read the afterword first. While the main text is poetic, the historical context of the 1950s and 60s opera world (and the significance of the Met) may require a few brief explanations for younger listeners. A parent might notice their child questioning why people were treated differently in the past, or a child expressing a big dream that feels 'too big' for their current circumstances.
Younger children (ages 4-6) will be swept up in the rhythm of the poetry and the beauty of the illustrations. Older children (7-9) will better grasp the gravity of Price's 'firsts' and the social weight of her success.
Weatherford's use of poetic prose mimics the cadence of music itself, making the book feel like an aria. Unlike standard biographies, it prioritizes the 'feeling' of Price's voice alongside the facts of her life.
The book chronicles the life of Leontyne Price, beginning with her childhood in Laurel, Mississippi, during the era of Jim Crow. It follows her musical development in church, her education at Juilliard, and her eventual rise to international fame as a soprano, culminating in her historic 42-minute standing ovation at the Metropolitan Opera.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.