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Say It With Music: The Story of Irving Berlin |
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Author Nancy Furstinger
Morgan Reynolds Publishing Hardcover, 128 pp Ages 11-up ISBN-13: 978-1931798125 Irving Berlin immigrated to the United States with his family in 1893. As a teenager in New York City, he earned pennies a day hawking newspapers. Determined to make a better life for himself and his family, he turned to singing in Bowery saloons. After selling his first original song, Berlin quickly advanced as a lyricist, taught himself piano, and was soon composing hit after hit. Today, Americans of all ages still enjoy Berlin's music, including the beloved melodies "White Christmas" and "God Bless America." |
Reviews:
School Library Journal
The immigrant experience and a history of the early popular-music business in the United States form the background for this biography of one of America's best-known songwriters. In well-researched detail, Furstinger describes how Berlin developed from a youngster who sang other people's songs to a sought-after songwriter for Broadway and Hollywood. Written in a lively style, the text is clearly documented with source notes, and well-placed, black-and-white photographs appear throughout.
Booklist
Written in lively prose, this compelling biography in the Masters of Music series follows Russian-born Berlin from his childhood emigration to the U.S. in the late nineteenth century through his wildly successful career. Along the way, Furstinger traces the evolution of the American music business, from parlor piano sheet music to film soundtracks, using excerpts from Berlin's lyrics to bring readers closer to the music. A solid, accessible choice for browsing, quick reference, or reports.
Children's Literature
In 1888, a young boy and his family emigrated to the U.S. from Siberia, Russia. Named Israel Beilin, he settled in New York. The family was poor, and Israel quickly began looking for ways to earn money. Eventually, he stumbled into the career of songwriting. That boy became known as "Irving Berlin," and American music was never the same again. Readers should enjoy this all-American success story.
Library Media Connection
Young adults will be hard pressed to find a more thorough and informative biography on one of America's music masters than Nancy Furstinger's book on Irving Berlin. Furstinger delves into Berlin's family history giving such a rich background that readers are engaged from the first chapter. Even though this is a biography, young readers are also given a view of America at the turn of the century through Furstinger's descriptions.
Horn Book Guide
Brimming with well-documented information, this biography traces the composer's life, from his Russian birth as Israel Beilin in 1888 to his death at age 101. The book highlights Berlin's contributions to American music, from Tin Pan Alley to Broadway, films, and individual hits.
Midwest Book Review
This lively biography of American composer/musician Irving Berlin holds almost 130 pages of biographical background, covering his early immigration to the US in 1893, his teen years in New York, and his determination to make a better life through music. His many achievements make for a lively, encouraging read packed with plenty of information appropriate for school reports for middle school and advanced elementary readers.
School Library Journal
The immigrant experience and a history of the early popular-music business in the United States form the background for this biography of one of America's best-known songwriters. In well-researched detail, Furstinger describes how Berlin developed from a youngster who sang other people's songs to a sought-after songwriter for Broadway and Hollywood. Written in a lively style, the text is clearly documented with source notes, and well-placed, black-and-white photographs appear throughout.
Booklist
Written in lively prose, this compelling biography in the Masters of Music series follows Russian-born Berlin from his childhood emigration to the U.S. in the late nineteenth century through his wildly successful career. Along the way, Furstinger traces the evolution of the American music business, from parlor piano sheet music to film soundtracks, using excerpts from Berlin's lyrics to bring readers closer to the music. A solid, accessible choice for browsing, quick reference, or reports.
Children's Literature
In 1888, a young boy and his family emigrated to the U.S. from Siberia, Russia. Named Israel Beilin, he settled in New York. The family was poor, and Israel quickly began looking for ways to earn money. Eventually, he stumbled into the career of songwriting. That boy became known as "Irving Berlin," and American music was never the same again. Readers should enjoy this all-American success story.
Library Media Connection
Young adults will be hard pressed to find a more thorough and informative biography on one of America's music masters than Nancy Furstinger's book on Irving Berlin. Furstinger delves into Berlin's family history giving such a rich background that readers are engaged from the first chapter. Even though this is a biography, young readers are also given a view of America at the turn of the century through Furstinger's descriptions.
Horn Book Guide
Brimming with well-documented information, this biography traces the composer's life, from his Russian birth as Israel Beilin in 1888 to his death at age 101. The book highlights Berlin's contributions to American music, from Tin Pan Alley to Broadway, films, and individual hits.
Midwest Book Review
This lively biography of American composer/musician Irving Berlin holds almost 130 pages of biographical background, covering his early immigration to the US in 1893, his teen years in New York, and his determination to make a better life through music. His many achievements make for a lively, encouraging read packed with plenty of information appropriate for school reports for middle school and advanced elementary readers.
