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kristenremenar's review against another edition
4.0
I love when a book makes me care about a topic I wasn't really interested in before I read it. I saw that this had tons of great reviews, but still I didn't pick it up. At Judy Freeman's seminar, Judy played a bit of "Appalachian Spring" and began to talk about the book. I loved reading about the collaboration of the three artists.
kelleemoye's review against another edition
4.0
Reviewed at: http://www.teachmentortexts.com/2013/02/ballet-for-martha.html
4.5 stars
A beautifully illustrated book that shows what can happen when 3 brilliant minds work together to create a masterpiece.
This book is a testament to collaboration. It shows what can happen if 3 brilliant minds get together and want to make something together- both Appalachian Spring and Ballet for Martha were constructed by a group of 3 amazing people.
I really love this unique perspective into American History. Aaron Copland is already a name that is part of American vocabulary, but Martha Graham and Isamu Noguchi should be as well and this book shows how they both played a role in helping Aaron Copland to become one of the most well-known American composers.
When reading this book, the thing that struck me the most was the specific word choice that allows you to visualize the ballet, music and sets so accurately. It would be a great source for sharing with students how using the right verb or adjective can really change the imagery which a writer portrays.
Read Together: Grades 4 to 9
Read Alone: Grades 4 and up
Read With: Nonfiction text about ballet, choreography, composing or set designing
Snatch of Text: "There are no steps yet, but Aaron knows the way
Martha and her dancers move.
Her steps are unusual.
She moves differently from ballerinas.
No toe shoes. No tutus. No pirouettes.
'Nobody else seems anything like Martha,' he says. 'There's
something simple yet strong about here, which one thinks of
as very American.'" (p. 8)
"Slowly the Bride glides in,
the runs to her groom.
The Preacher's four Followers file in.
The music turns lively and playful as the young girls dance in pairs,
then form circles, fluttering, skittering, reaching up to the sky." (p. 28-29)
Mentor Text for: Vocabulary Development, Imagery, Word Choice (Verbs, Adjectives), Visualizing
Writing Prompts: The authors included a "Curtain Call" which gives us more detail into the lives of our three stars- what aspect of their lives do you wish had been explored more in the picture book?; Aaron Copland was so inspired by Martha that he composed an entire ballet for her- has anyone ever inspired you to do something? Or is there someone who has inspired you enough that if you were going to write a song, book, poem, etc. it would be about them?
Topics Covered: Dance, Music, Composing, Collaboration, Set Building, Appalachian Spring
4.5 stars
A beautifully illustrated book that shows what can happen when 3 brilliant minds work together to create a masterpiece.
This book is a testament to collaboration. It shows what can happen if 3 brilliant minds get together and want to make something together- both Appalachian Spring and Ballet for Martha were constructed by a group of 3 amazing people.
I really love this unique perspective into American History. Aaron Copland is already a name that is part of American vocabulary, but Martha Graham and Isamu Noguchi should be as well and this book shows how they both played a role in helping Aaron Copland to become one of the most well-known American composers.
When reading this book, the thing that struck me the most was the specific word choice that allows you to visualize the ballet, music and sets so accurately. It would be a great source for sharing with students how using the right verb or adjective can really change the imagery which a writer portrays.
Read Together: Grades 4 to 9
Read Alone: Grades 4 and up
Read With: Nonfiction text about ballet, choreography, composing or set designing
Snatch of Text: "There are no steps yet, but Aaron knows the way
Martha and her dancers move.
Her steps are unusual.
She moves differently from ballerinas.
No toe shoes. No tutus. No pirouettes.
'Nobody else seems anything like Martha,' he says. 'There's
something simple yet strong about here, which one thinks of
as very American.'" (p. 8)
"Slowly the Bride glides in,
the runs to her groom.
The Preacher's four Followers file in.
The music turns lively and playful as the young girls dance in pairs,
then form circles, fluttering, skittering, reaching up to the sky." (p. 28-29)
Mentor Text for: Vocabulary Development, Imagery, Word Choice (Verbs, Adjectives), Visualizing
Writing Prompts: The authors included a "Curtain Call" which gives us more detail into the lives of our three stars- what aspect of their lives do you wish had been explored more in the picture book?; Aaron Copland was so inspired by Martha that he composed an entire ballet for her- has anyone ever inspired you to do something? Or is there someone who has inspired you enough that if you were going to write a song, book, poem, etc. it would be about them?
Topics Covered: Dance, Music, Composing, Collaboration, Set Building, Appalachian Spring
obrill's review against another edition
Award winner
Title: Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring
Author: Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
Illustrator: Brian Floca
Genre: Nonfiction
Theme(s): Ballet, Choreography, Orchestral Works, Aaron Copland, Dance, Martha Graham
Opening line/sentence: Sometimes art is made by one artist, working alone, but sometimes it's the result of artists working together--collaborating--to forge something new.
Brief Book Summary: This book takes readers through the conception, development, and presentation of the Appalachian Spring Ballet. With pages about art, music, and dance this book opens up the creative arts to students and can interest them in further study.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Jennifer Ward (Sound Commentary, February 2013)
Who doesn’t love to hear Aaron Copland s lyrical Appalachian Spring? And how many know that the piece was commissioned by dance choreographer Martha Graham, and that it was a collaboration among Martha, composer Aaron Copeland and artist Isamu Noguchi? This short history by co-authors Greenberg and Jordan is a concise account of how the ballet Appalachian Spring came to be. Martha asked Copeland to write music for her dance. The two communicated, back and forth, fine-tuning the style and content of the suite to exactly match the balletpremise and moves. Meanwhile, Martha contacted her artist friend Noguchi to design the stage for the ballet. Just as Martha worked with Copeland, Noguchi and Martha also worked together to create the perfect scenography. Explained is the style of Martha s modern ballet, and that the dance artistically illustrates nineteenth century young people settling in western Pennsylvania, getting married and building a farmhouse. There s the right amount and type of information here for children. Sarah Jessica Parker is a worthy choice as narrator, speaking in a lovely woman s voice, accompanied by illustrative portions of the ballet score. After her reading, an ensemble of the Seattle Symphony under Maestro Gerard Schwarz performs the beautiful Appalachian Spring as it was first written. Following the musical performance Schwarz reads succinct, interesting biographies of Graham, Copeland and Noguchi. This well-put-together audio production will be of interest to children and their parents, as well as a welcome tool for music educators. Brilliance Audio, 1 CD. 1 hr., Library Edition, n/a. Ages 7+
(PUBLISHER: Brilliance Audio (Grand Haven MI:), PUBLISHED: p2012.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Ilene Cooper (Booklist, Jul. 1, 2010 (Vol. 106, No. 21)) Starred Review* Dance. Music. Set. All of these elements contribute to the experience of Appalachian Spring, an American classic that continues to thrill audiences. But authors Greenberg and Jordan are less concerned with presenting the ballet (although readers do get a strong sense of it) and more interested in how such an extraordinary collaboration came to be. How does an idea go from a jotted note on choreographer Martha Graham s pad to a fierce triumph? In crisp yet patient sentences, the authors begin with a vision: a story to be told in movement and music, an American pioneer tale. Composer Aaron Copland takes his cues from his knowledge of Graham’s powerful yet simple dance style. A Shaker hymn leads him to the music, which in turn ignites Graham’s choreography. But one more element is needed. Enter artist Isamu Noguchi, whose set design is as spare and strong as the ballet. The collaboration continues as the dance becomes fully formed, opening triumphantly in 1944. In this book, too, disparate elements come together. Matching the mood of Graham s moves, the writing is pared down but full of possibilities. Floca s ink-and-watercolor artwork nimbly shifts from the prosaic (Copland reading Graham’s script) to the visionary (a bride and groom on the open prairie) to the several-spread finale of the ballet itself. The book as a whole beautifully captures the process of artistic creation. The extensive back matter that concludes is welcome, but what readers will surely want after putting this down is to see and hear Appalachian Spring for themselves. Grades 2-4
(PUBLISHER: Flash Point (New York:), PUBLISHED: c2010.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews: Both reviewers agree that this book is deserving of the awards and honors it’s won. This book was an Orbis Pictus winner in 2011 and a Robert F. Sibert honor book. They also advocate for adding in more information and musical content to the lesson.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: This book really opens up the visual arts for students. Presenting this book to younger students--first or second grade--can really conjure up and interest in the arts at a young age. The illustrations in this book have a vintage feel to them. Although the text is a bit long and the reading of this book might have to be split into two or more days, the information reads easily enough.
Consideration of Instructional Application: I used this book in my independent study project for a social studies lesson. This book ties in nicely when teaching and learning about the Shaker way of life and Appalachia. After learning about those topics over the course of a few days, I would read the book and then go into teaching about the ballet and the creation of it. Students would then be given a chance to dream up their own ballet or reproduce a dramatization of this one. If time is given I’ll teach students the song “Simple Gifts” as this melody is a recurring theme throughout the musical composition.
Title: Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring
Author: Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
Illustrator: Brian Floca
Genre: Nonfiction
Theme(s): Ballet, Choreography, Orchestral Works, Aaron Copland, Dance, Martha Graham
Opening line/sentence: Sometimes art is made by one artist, working alone, but sometimes it's the result of artists working together--collaborating--to forge something new.
Brief Book Summary: This book takes readers through the conception, development, and presentation of the Appalachian Spring Ballet. With pages about art, music, and dance this book opens up the creative arts to students and can interest them in further study.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Jennifer Ward (Sound Commentary, February 2013)
Who doesn’t love to hear Aaron Copland s lyrical Appalachian Spring? And how many know that the piece was commissioned by dance choreographer Martha Graham, and that it was a collaboration among Martha, composer Aaron Copeland and artist Isamu Noguchi? This short history by co-authors Greenberg and Jordan is a concise account of how the ballet Appalachian Spring came to be. Martha asked Copeland to write music for her dance. The two communicated, back and forth, fine-tuning the style and content of the suite to exactly match the balletpremise and moves. Meanwhile, Martha contacted her artist friend Noguchi to design the stage for the ballet. Just as Martha worked with Copeland, Noguchi and Martha also worked together to create the perfect scenography. Explained is the style of Martha s modern ballet, and that the dance artistically illustrates nineteenth century young people settling in western Pennsylvania, getting married and building a farmhouse. There s the right amount and type of information here for children. Sarah Jessica Parker is a worthy choice as narrator, speaking in a lovely woman s voice, accompanied by illustrative portions of the ballet score. After her reading, an ensemble of the Seattle Symphony under Maestro Gerard Schwarz performs the beautiful Appalachian Spring as it was first written. Following the musical performance Schwarz reads succinct, interesting biographies of Graham, Copeland and Noguchi. This well-put-together audio production will be of interest to children and their parents, as well as a welcome tool for music educators. Brilliance Audio, 1 CD. 1 hr., Library Edition, n/a. Ages 7+
(PUBLISHER: Brilliance Audio (Grand Haven MI:), PUBLISHED: p2012.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Ilene Cooper (Booklist, Jul. 1, 2010 (Vol. 106, No. 21)) Starred Review* Dance. Music. Set. All of these elements contribute to the experience of Appalachian Spring, an American classic that continues to thrill audiences. But authors Greenberg and Jordan are less concerned with presenting the ballet (although readers do get a strong sense of it) and more interested in how such an extraordinary collaboration came to be. How does an idea go from a jotted note on choreographer Martha Graham s pad to a fierce triumph? In crisp yet patient sentences, the authors begin with a vision: a story to be told in movement and music, an American pioneer tale. Composer Aaron Copland takes his cues from his knowledge of Graham’s powerful yet simple dance style. A Shaker hymn leads him to the music, which in turn ignites Graham’s choreography. But one more element is needed. Enter artist Isamu Noguchi, whose set design is as spare and strong as the ballet. The collaboration continues as the dance becomes fully formed, opening triumphantly in 1944. In this book, too, disparate elements come together. Matching the mood of Graham s moves, the writing is pared down but full of possibilities. Floca s ink-and-watercolor artwork nimbly shifts from the prosaic (Copland reading Graham’s script) to the visionary (a bride and groom on the open prairie) to the several-spread finale of the ballet itself. The book as a whole beautifully captures the process of artistic creation. The extensive back matter that concludes is welcome, but what readers will surely want after putting this down is to see and hear Appalachian Spring for themselves. Grades 2-4
(PUBLISHER: Flash Point (New York:), PUBLISHED: c2010.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews: Both reviewers agree that this book is deserving of the awards and honors it’s won. This book was an Orbis Pictus winner in 2011 and a Robert F. Sibert honor book. They also advocate for adding in more information and musical content to the lesson.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: This book really opens up the visual arts for students. Presenting this book to younger students--first or second grade--can really conjure up and interest in the arts at a young age. The illustrations in this book have a vintage feel to them. Although the text is a bit long and the reading of this book might have to be split into two or more days, the information reads easily enough.
Consideration of Instructional Application: I used this book in my independent study project for a social studies lesson. This book ties in nicely when teaching and learning about the Shaker way of life and Appalachia. After learning about those topics over the course of a few days, I would read the book and then go into teaching about the ballet and the creation of it. Students would then be given a chance to dream up their own ballet or reproduce a dramatization of this one. If time is given I’ll teach students the song “Simple Gifts” as this melody is a recurring theme throughout the musical composition.
beths0103's review against another edition
5.0
I love Aaron Copland's music and am ashamed to admit that I never knew Appalachian Spring was written as a ballet. After reading this book, I want to learn more about Martha Graham. She sounds like my kind of dancer.
crysrowe's review against another edition
5.0
We used this in conjunction with a Composer Study of Aaron Copland and followed it by finding a video of the ballet on YouTube. It's not very often that you get to hear the real story behind a piece of music, and my ballet-loving girls loved hearing about how the song started as a dance and then had music put to it. Although parts of it are quite long for very young children, the pictures are fantastic and seemed to keep the attention of my 3 1/2-year-old as well as my nearly 6-year-old.
carolynaugustyn's review against another edition
3.0
What an interesting book! I definitely learned something new by reading this book. I'm a big fan of ballet/dance and Martha Graham is obviously a legend in the dance world so I was super excited to pick this book up. The theme of the book does cover the making of the famous Appalachian Spring dance but more so covers the importance of working together to make something amazing. This would be great for helping to explain to children how collaborating can be a great way to create something even bigger than just one person can do on their own. I liked the art and thought that some pages were just so pretty, they could be framed straight from the book. My only complaint was I thought that the book could be a little dry and I'm not sure I know any kids that would sit through this book (but that might just be the kids I know). I would definitely recommend this to fans of the history of dance.
alysona's review against another edition
5.0
What a lovely book about both the ballet Appalachian Spring and the creation of the ballet.
cahamsher's review against another edition
4.0
Genre: Informational Nonfiction
Grade: 2-5
Brian Floca does a fantastic job illustrating with pen and watercolors again. The illustrations bring this ballet's story to life. I enjoyed how it followed all the steps from the beginning to the end of the process. It would be an especially engaging story for any ballerina especially if you also listened to the music with the story.
Grade: 2-5
Brian Floca does a fantastic job illustrating with pen and watercolors again. The illustrations bring this ballet's story to life. I enjoyed how it followed all the steps from the beginning to the end of the process. It would be an especially engaging story for any ballerina especially if you also listened to the music with the story.
abigailbat's review against another edition
4.0
A beautifully done book - very impressive illustrations. This made me want to see Appalachian Spring. But I wonder who the audience is? Will kids pick up this book?