by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
Illustrated by Brian Floca
Flashpoint, 2010. 48 pgs
Reading Level: ages 9-12
Hardcover: $17.99
Annotation: Learn about the inspiration behind Martha Graham's most famous ballet in this beautifully illustrated work of poetic luminance.
Summary: For more than 60 years, audiences have delighted in Martha Graham's famous ballet, Appalachian Spring. Ballet for Martha tells the story of it's creation and the collaboration that took place between three amazing artists: the famous musician Aaron Copland, Martha herself and the artist, Isamu Noguchi. This informative children's book traces the history of a new kind of ballet, where the "legend of American living" was to be danced out on stage, celebrating Springtime and the marriage of a young pioneer couple. Copeland's famous musical score lent the ballet inspiration and his penned notation at the top of the music "Ballet for Martha" lent the book it's name. Each stage of the ballet's creation is documented, from the costume choices and stage design to the reception the ballet received on opening night in 1944.
Evaluaton: Brian Floca's lustrous watercolors perfectly complement the stunning and poetic cant of this fascinating history of Martha Graham's Appalachian Spring. The title is a welcome addition to history in general and the arts specifically, finishing with wonderful biographies of all three collaborative artists: Martha Graham, Aaron Copland, and Isamu Noguchi. It is an outstanding work of nonfiction and much deserves the Siebert Honor.
Significance: Appalachian Spring enjoys a loving and prominent place in the history of modern ballet and Copeland won the Pultizer Prize with this famous musical score. This book is a beautifully rendered history of a significant event in the history of the arts and deserves a prominent place in any library.
Personal Choice: Having a background in ballet and modern dance I was anxious to read more about Martha Graham and learn about her famous Appalachian Spring. I love Aaron Copeland's music and was thrilled to learn more about his use of "Tis a Gift to be Simple..." in the ballet score.
Awards: Robert F. Siebert Informational Book Honor, 2011
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