"Ballet for Martha" Book Review

1.      Bibliography

Greenberg, J., & Jordan, S. 2010. BALLET FOR MARTHA:  MAKING APPALACHIAN SPRING.  Ill. by Brian Floca. New York City, NY: A Neal Porter Book. ISBN 9781596433380

2.      Plot Summary

The today’s classic 1944 ballet, Appalachian Spring, was created by a talented team of dancer Martha Graham, composer Aaron Copland, and set designer Isamu Noguchi.  This informational picture book shares the story of collaboration between adult professionals from different backgrounds.  Martha Graham had a vision to make a dance about American living.  She had a very different style of dance that was sometimes not appreciated by the audience.  She reaches out to composer Aaron Copland, and after several attempts, they create a lovely story about American settlers.  Martha then includes set designer Isamu Noguchi, who works hard to give the perfect background for Martha’s vision.  The book highlights each artist and their role in creating this masterpiece.  Finally it is opening night, and unsure how the crowd will respond, all three artist come together and deliver a beautiful work of art that will enchant the audience.

3.      Critical Analysis

Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan work together to give readers a beautiful example of collaboration.  The focus on each artist gives readers an idea of what it is like to work really hard on something, and still not have it just right.  The story of this ballet is full of information and presented in a clear format for children to be able to follow and understand.  The plain text works together with the illustrations that readers can comprehend.  Brain Floca uses his water color illustrations to tell the story with the text.  Readers have a visual of the movements in the ballet and how each artist created their piece to the puzzle.  The book includes more information about each artist with real photographs for readers who are still wanting more information.  There is also bibliography information and notes for references.  Greenberg, Jordan, and Floca are a perfect example of collaboration in giving readers this magnificent story of working together.

4.      Review Excerpt(s)

Sibert Honor Book

Orbis Pictus Award

Cheri Dobbs, School Library Journal – “The authors researched extensively but found a way to crystallize all of the information into a gem that is approachable for young readers.”

5.      Connections

*Play Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copland for students to listen too.  Students will write a reflection about listening to the piece.

*Students will chose one of the artist from the story and conduct further research.