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whitneymouse's review
5.0
**Thank you to MacMillan Children's in connection with School Library Journal's Picture Book Palooza for the review copy. This in no way changed my opinion**
I am not familiar with Carnatic music or M.S. Subbulakshmi, but this story was very touching and inspiring. It follows the singer from when she struggles to be able to sing for others as a child (due to local laws and customs) to her becoming very famous and being able to use her voice to speak about situations going on in her country. This eventually ends with her being able to sing at the UN. I think a lot of children readers would be interested in this story and maybe to learn more about this type of music from this book. Would recommend.
I am not familiar with Carnatic music or M.S. Subbulakshmi, but this story was very touching and inspiring. It follows the singer from when she struggles to be able to sing for others as a child (due to local laws and customs) to her becoming very famous and being able to use her voice to speak about situations going on in her country. This eventually ends with her being able to sing at the UN. I think a lot of children readers would be interested in this story and maybe to learn more about this type of music from this book. Would recommend.
libraryrobin's review
3.0
An Indian woman fulfills her dream of performing, breaking through cultural mores.
missprint_'s review
4.0
This was very good. I’m wondering if I’m missing any cultural subtext not being Indian or familiar with Carnatic music but very good. Lovely art.
Authors note about the singer, more about Carnatic music, glossary, timeline, selected bibliography.
Update: still very informative but Gandhi is low key awful and divisive figure which isn't shown here at all.
Authors note about the singer, more about Carnatic music, glossary, timeline, selected bibliography.
Update: still very informative but Gandhi is low key awful and divisive figure which isn't shown here at all.
pwbalto's review
5.0
I am possibly biased because I love all South Asian music - traditional ragas, corny film music, and Punjabi hiphop, all of it. But this is a terrific book. Straightforward prose tells the life story of one of India's seminal musicians. Born in a time before women were allowed to perform in public, MS Subbulakshmi wore down those prejudices, sang for the independence movement, sang her sorrow during Partition, and became world famous.
While the words tell the story, the illustrations convey the artistry of Subbulakshmi's life - this book is wonderful paired with recordings, as the narrative echoes the assertive vocal line of Carnatic music while the art mimics the winding counterpoint of the instruments.
While the words tell the story, the illustrations convey the artistry of Subbulakshmi's life - this book is wonderful paired with recordings, as the narrative echoes the assertive vocal line of Carnatic music while the art mimics the winding counterpoint of the instruments.
julieartz's review
5.0
I read a prepublication version of this story and loved the way music and social justice came together to teach me about a new-to-me, but famous, musical voice for peace.
mckenzierichardson's review
5.0
For more bookish opinions, see my blog: Craft-Cycle
A stunning picture book following the life of M.S. Subbulakshmi. Subbulakshmi loves to sing and wants to share her magnificent voice with others, but girls are barred from singing at public performances in India. That doesn't stop her. With the support of her mother, she keeps singing, making new connections, and honing her craft.
This is a wonderful story about persistent, hope, strength, and using your voice to help others. Historic events touched on are the Indian Independence Movement in the 1940s and the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. The story highlights the ways Subbulakshmi broke down barriers through her love of singing and her country.
The artwork is absolutely stunning. A perfect compliment to the straightforward text. There is a magical element to each page. Great use of movement that really captures the essence of Subbulakshmi's voice.
The backmatter contains a little information about Carnatic music, a short glossary of terms, a timeline of Subbulakshmi's life, and a selected bibliography.
A wonderful nonfiction read that is informational and inspirational.
A stunning picture book following the life of M.S. Subbulakshmi. Subbulakshmi loves to sing and wants to share her magnificent voice with others, but girls are barred from singing at public performances in India. That doesn't stop her. With the support of her mother, she keeps singing, making new connections, and honing her craft.
This is a wonderful story about persistent, hope, strength, and using your voice to help others. Historic events touched on are the Indian Independence Movement in the 1940s and the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. The story highlights the ways Subbulakshmi broke down barriers through her love of singing and her country.
The artwork is absolutely stunning. A perfect compliment to the straightforward text. There is a magical element to each page. Great use of movement that really captures the essence of Subbulakshmi's voice.
The backmatter contains a little information about Carnatic music, a short glossary of terms, a timeline of Subbulakshmi's life, and a selected bibliography.
A wonderful nonfiction read that is informational and inspirational.
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