The Singer and the Scientist

by Lisa Rose, Isabel Muñoz (Illustrations)

It's 1937, and Marian Anderson is one of the most famous singers in America. But after she gives a performance for an all-white audience, she learns that the nearby hotel is closed to African Americans. She doesn't know where she'll stay for the night.

Until the famous scientist Albert Einstein invites her to stay at his house. Marian, who endures constant discrimination as a Black performer, learns that Albert faced prejudice as a Jew in Germany. She discovers their shared passion for music--and their shared hopes for a more just world.

Genres: Picture Books, History, Nonfiction, Music, Biography, Childrens, Science

32 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2021

Reviews

[Tamar...playing hooky for a few hours today · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful story about an episode in the history of America, social injustice, and Art. The Singer and the Scientist describes one small act by a great man dedicated to Human Rights. Albert Einstein was not just a great scientist but also a political activist who teaches us a lesson in equality and what it means to be a "mensch" while Marian Anderson teaches us a lesson in humility and forbearance in the face of bigotry. This will make for an interesting and wonderful read with my grandchildren. The illustrations are beautiful, and the message is mature and instructing. I’d like to thank NetGalley, Lerner Publishing Group, and Kar-Ben Publishing for an ARC of this amazing book in exchange for my honest review.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean WOW. This is exceptional.

The way the story has been written.

The illustrations hugging your vision.

The colours that fills up your soul.

I mean I am so in love with the entire book.

I am always standing up against discrimination and racism.

Even the famous personalities aren't spared. This is one such important storybook that tells us the same.

So well done!

Let's say no to any kind of discrimination and racism. Let's always speak up and so something about it. No, it starts from us ourselves. And yes, let's start with reading this book as of now 🙌

Thank you, authors and the Publisher for the advance reading copy.

[Soul Touch Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was sooooo good for a book with just 30 pages. This small book is about an incident that occurred in 1937 with a black singer.

This short book focuses on art, race & struggle. You'll get to know about one of the most famous person in the human history, Albert Einstein through it. And it's a real story. Not even fiction!

Illustrations were extremely beautiful. Loved the work of artist.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 STARS This works well as a biography for young children, though upper elementary children will need more depth. For the younger set, though, it provides an introduction to singer Marian Anderson and the prejudice she faced. It also touches on Albert Einstein's struggles as a Jew in Nazi Germany. It is done gently enough for Kindergartners (though do note there is an illustration of books being burned that might be a bit much young children with a fear of fire) but with enough heart that they should feel moved. As an adult reader, I wanted more. The Author's Note provides a bit more information but if you are really interested in learning about Marian Anderson I suggest When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson. I also have a few quibbles, such as I wish the book had introduced Marian as Marian Anderson and not just "Marian" and provide a little bit more background about why she was performing for a wealthy white audience at a time when prejudice and segregation were rampant. Also, the cover is lovely but it bothers me in context of the story -- why are Marian and Albert looking away from each other? I feel they ought to be looking toward each other as the book is about the kindness Einstein extended to her and the friendship that blossomed because of it.

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Singer and the Scientist by Lisa Rose is a beautifully illustrated true story.

I was not aware of this incredible, historical friendship but I was more than happy to learn about it! If you want to learn about an unexpected friendship that was helpful and respectful, this book is great. It also shows some famous, public figures that you may (or may not have!) heard of.

I highly recommend this picture book. It's a great story and it's non-fiction but it doesn't feel that way. The humility, the wonderful story and the incredible illustrations make this one top favourite book.

Four out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lerner Publishing Group and Kar-Ben Publishing for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

[Rosh [busy month; will catch up soon!] · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best ways to teach young children about history and encourage healthy discussions about equality across race is through such picture books.
"The Singer and the Scientist" tells the story of Marian Anderson (the famous opera singer with a rich contralto voice) and Albert Einstein (everyone knows him!) In the America of the late 1930s, the talented Marian found a stage for her voice but not a roof for her head. Luckily for her, in the audience happened to be seated Einstein and he offered to take her to his home. What follows is an eye-opening discussion of bigotry within one's own nation, leading to a lifelong friendship.
I loved the story. No two ways about it. The content is presented in such an interesting manner that every child (and even adult) will be hooked.
The artwork is fabulous is well. The illustrations are very attractive, though I wasn't completely happy with the way Marian Anderson has been sketched. She looks too beautified. I wish she had been portrayed as realistically as Einstein. But this is a minor complaint. The book is utterly fabulous in every other respect and I would heartily recommend it to everyone.

I received an advance review copy of the book from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.



*************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never heard of Marian Anderson, but what a delightful way to learn about her, and her singing, and her friendship with Albert Einstein.

As happened to many Black singers, at the time, in the 1930s, white audiences didn't mind seeing or hearing them perform, but woe be it if they wanted a room for the night.

In this case, it was Albert Einstein who came to the rescue, as he knew about discrimination, and was more than willing to let her come to his home.

I have heard the story about how Elenor Roosevelt quite the DAR in protest when Marian Anderson couldn't sing at constitution hall, but had not heard of this earlier story. What a great little picture book, and what a great way to tell about this sorry point in history.


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and beautifully illustrated.

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love picture books that teach children (and adults) a true story from history. What a touching story about an act of kindness that turned into a friendship between two people that had endured discrimination. The writing flows well when read aloud and the illustrations are delightful. This is a great historical picture book to enjoy with the children in your life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kar-Ben Publishing for access to this arc.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Singer and the Scientist is a children's picture book by Lisa Rose and illustrated by Isabel Muñoz. It centers on well-known historical figures from wildly different disciplines that have a surprising connection.

Marian Anderson was an American contralto. She performed a wide range of music from opera to spirituals. Albert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist, widely acknowledged to be one of the greatest physicists of all time.

Rose's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Rose presents the initial meeting between Marian Anderson and Albert Einstein with the promise of a lasting relationship. Unfortunately, the book doesn't elaborate or give context to their relationship beyond telling readers that the incident is not well known. Muñoz's illustrations are inviting, buoyant, and colorful, and depicted the text rather well.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. In 1937 New Jersey, Marian Anderson sings to a White audience in a huge theatre, but the minute the curtain is down, she's no longer a star – she's a Black woman who is invisible to most and persona non grata to others – especially nearby hotels.

Without a place to stay for the night, she's on her own, until someone from the front row of the audience approaches her and invites her to stay in his guest room. The man is Albert Einstein, and he knows all too well what it’s like to be treated as less than human in one's own country, ever since he fled Germany soon after Hitler’s rise to power. The two get along and talk music, and Albert is glad to pull out his violin and play for her – the beginning of perhaps a beautiful friendship.

All in all, The Singer and the Scientist is a charming anecdote between a famous singer and physicist.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Colorful illustrations that seem to be rendered through Adobe Photoshop complement a little-known story about the friendship between a singer and a scientist who met in 1937. I had never heard about the incident that prompted this friendship, but reading about it made me smile. Singer Marian Anderson is more known for her performance at the Lincoln Memorial after being denied the privilege of singing at Constitution Hall due to prejudice. After an acclaimed performance in Princeton, New Jersey, two years before the Lincoln Memorial concert, Anderson was unable to book a room at the local, all-white hotel. Albert Einstein, who had been in the audience, offered to let her stay for the night in his house. The two conversed and found that they had quite a lot in common. The ending is lovely as Anderson returns years later to the same town, and even though she would no longer have trouble staying in a hotel, she need not worry since she already has a place to stay. Back matter includes a photo of Anderson and one of Einstein and some additional information about Anderson's career. I'd love to know more about this friendship and this particular story, but the way it's written gives me hope due to the compassion and empathy that Einstein showed for Anderson. Perhaps youngsters hearing this story will follow this example and extend a helping hand to others in need or form a friendship with someone who may not seem to have anything in common with them but probably does.

[Žaba Čita Novine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an incredibly cute and heartwarming story about how Einstein and Marian Anderson became friends over social injustice and love of music.

The illustrations were so cute you just wanted to hug them, but the way Einstein holds a violin really hurt me, and I have no connection to music. :D

A big thank you to Kar-Ben Publishing ® and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good and warm book. Singer Marian Anderson can stand on stage and sing but can't be bothered by whites while off the stage. All because the color of her skin, Noone acts as though she is alive. It just so happened Albert Einstein was in the front row and offered her a room in his house when she had no place to stay. The became fast friends. This would be wonderful for a read a loud in a classroom.

[Suradha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an advanced readers e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

While I'm surprised by the volume of Einstein centred graphic novels out there but the more I know about the man's life (and death) the more I want to know. Wish I could have had access to social justice picture books as a child, this one was quite lovely. They really don't faff around about race and the Holocaust, which is refreshing.

[E.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heartwarming picture book about the friendship between famous singer Marian Anderson and Albert Einstein is an absolute must for elementary school classrooms and for the parents of young children.

The Singer and the Scientist is a story about the importance of compassion and standing up for others even when it means going against the status quo.

The book takes place in the 1930s in a time of racism and segregation. After a successful performance, Marian is (quite rudely) notified by the concert hall staff that all nearby hotels are whites-only.

"Everyone looked at Marian, but not as a star. Not even as a person...The people who had just minutes before risen to their feet clapping for her now ignored her."

But in that moment, an elderly man who attended the concert steps in and offers Marian help. Marian instantly recognizes him as famed scientist Albert Einstein. A kind Jewish man who had personally experienced discrimination when living in Nazi Germany.

Lisa Rose tells this lovely story in a way that is understandable to young readers and allows adults to create important discussions about kindness, compassion, and race to young children. It is structured in a way to grab children's attention and Isabel Munoz's beautiful illustrations make the story easy to follow and understand. However, as the story does take place in the 1930s, there are a few things that children may need help understanding. Because of this, I do recommend reading The Singer and the Scientist after this specific period is covered in class or discussed with a parent.

The news is often fraught with stories about racial injustice. Although it may seem like kids aren't paying attention, they usually are. Let our kids be better than us and our parents' generation. Let us create those important discussions so that our kids can have a better tomorrow.
​
(Note: I received this advance copy from Netgalley and Lerner Publishing Group in return for an honest review. Original review can be found here: https://bookish-ramblings.weebly.com/...)

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

The Singer and the Scientist is a charmingly illustrated book for young readers by Lisa Rose with illustrations by Isabel Muñoz. Due out 1st April 2021 from Lerner on their Kar-Ben imprint, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

This is a well written account of Marian Anderson’s performance at the McCarter Theatre in 1937 where she met Einstein. The issues of race and segregated performances in the USA are handled in a sensitive and age appropriate manner. The text is well written and short and the illustrations are colorful and engaging. The book also includes a short retelling of the 1939 DAR concert cancellation (and Eleanor Roosevelt's subsequent resignation from the DAR and concert rescheduling at the Lincoln Memorial in front of an audience of 75,000 people).

I would recommend this one to public and school libraries, classroom use, or home library. Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the true story of Marian Anderson and Albert Einstein. After a beautiful performance at McCarter Theatre in 1937 to an all-white crowd, Marian is denied accommodations at the nearby Nassau Inn. Einstein, who had been in the crowd, invites Marian to stay at his home and shares that he, too, has experienced intolerance because of his Jewish heritage. Not only do they connect through their shared experience with racism, but the two bond over music as well. In the author's note at the end of the book, the author shares both Einstein's and Marian's involvement in the movement to end segregation and racism in the United States.

Beautifully illustrated and poignant, this book describes an amazing little-known story that should be brought to light. This would be a fantastic book to share with children this month during Black History Month, but unfortunately, it is not going to be published until April. It would be a perfect addition to any library--public, at school, and at home.

I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Kar-Ben Publishing.

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1937, and Marian Anderson is one of the most famous singers in America. But after she gives a performance for an all-white audience, she learns that the nearby hotel is closed to African Americans. She doesn't know where she'll stay for the night.Until the famous scientist Albert Einstein invites her to stay at his house. Marian, who endures constant discrimination as a Black performer, learns that Albert faced prejudice as a Jew in Germany. She discovers their shared passion for music—and their shared hopes for a more just world.Einstein was never one to stick to the science.The world-renowned physicist used his platform to advocate loudly for social justice. As a target of anti-Semitism in Germany and abroad between the World Wars, the Jewish scientist was well aware of the harm that discrimination inflicts, and sought to use his platform to speak out against the mistreatment of others.Einstein saw racism as a fundamental stumbling block to freedom. In both his science and his politics, Einstein believed in the need for individual liberty: the ability to follow ideas and life paths without fear of oppression. And he knew from his experiences how easily that freedom could be destroyed in the name of nationalism and patriotism. He invited famous contralto singer Marian Anderson to stay at his home when the singer was refused a room at the Nassau Inn.Anderson was an important figure in the struggle for African-American artists to overcome racial prejudice in the United States during the mid-20th century. In 1939, the Daughters of the American Revolution refused to allow Anderson to sing to an integrated audience in Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. The incident placed Anderson in the spotlight of the international community on a level unusual for a classical musician. With the aid of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and her husband President FDR, Anderson performed a critically acclaimed open-air concert on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1939, on the Lincoln Memorial."We must remember that we are more alike than different,that how we act toward one another is as important as anything else we aspire to do."-John Warner

[Violeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Digital ARC provided by Netgalley


I adored the story and the artwork. Isabel Muňoz is an amazing illustrator.
The story is about two great minds, coming together – Albert Einstein and Marian Anderson. Marian met Albert Einstein after her performance at the theater McCarter in 1937 and stayed at his house since nobody else was able to offer her a room for the night and treated her in a very aggressive language. She received this hostility from the others since she was an African-American, therefore in that time she was not welcome in certain hotels and restaurants.
The book mentions the beginning of a real-life friendship between these two main personalities. Einstein, who was Jewish, was sensitized to racism by the years of Nazi-inspired threats and harassment he suffered. When they go towards his house, Marian observes that Einstein cultivated relationships in the town’s African-American community. He helped the son of one of his African-American neighbor in school.

A 5 stars touching story and I truly recommend it to be read to little children and not only.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided a free copy of this by @netgalley and @lernerbooks in exchange for my honest review.
I read this story tonight with my daughter and we both loved it! It's about the beginning of the friendship between singer Marian Anderson and scientist Albert Einstein! She was performing for an all white audience and received a standing ovation. However, once the show was over everyone ignored her and she was unable to find lodging, since the hotel nearby was for whites only. Albert Einstein, who was in the audience that night and having been discriminated against himself, invited her to stay at his house for the night! Thus began a long friendship between the two! This was a beautiful story that provided my daughter and I the opportunity to talk about discrimination of different kinds, and how we should act when we see others being discriminated against. When we were done reading the ebook version she said, "I wish this was a real book!" 😁 I said, "It will be on April 1st!!" She was very excited and has already requested it for herself, because she likes to sing, and her cousin, because she likes science! 🥰
#TheSingerAndTheScientist #NetGalley

[Caitlyn (delightful.reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is focused on the friendship between opera singer Marian Anderson and renowned scientist & mathematician Albert Einstein.

I really enjoyed the illustrations and the unique story (based on actual historical events). As a history buff, I am grateful for children's books that introduce historical events in a manner that children can understand . I also thought the manner in which the story was told was engaging with beautiful full page illustrations. Additionally, the Author's Note provides even more historical background about the singer and the scientist, which may encourage further reading and research.

This book also handles racism and prejudice in a way that respects its young audience. It provides enough detail for children to understand the very real issue, while offering a message of hope. All in all, this was a motivational story about two people who overcame prejudice and found a new friend to empathize with.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group / Kar-Ben Publishing ® for an e-ARC. I really appreciated it!

[Aina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The singer and the scientist is a book about love, kindness and acceptance, and it has a special place in my heart.

It follows Marian Anderson, an African American singer who finds herself stranded after a performance for an all-white audience. 

She doesn't have anywhere to stay, and the people who cheered for her a minute ago are now giving her dirty looks. 

That's when she meets Albert Einstein, a scientist who offers his house for her to stay, and friendship blooms.

This is a piece of history, a piece we cannot afford to lose. 

Since it's a book for children it's really easy to follow, it made me feel the pain, the sorrow and the happiness they both felt. 

The growth Marian went through, the fact that she didn't want to be an example for other people to follow, but she acknowledges that she is, and she acts on it, slowly becoming bolder. 

The art is adorable and elegant at the same time, sweet and accurate. I felt the emotions on every page. 

I certainly learned something new today, and it was glorious. 

5-stars from me for this piece of history about love and kindness. .

[Pages Of Pastries · Rating 5 out of 5]

The singer and the Scientist is a heartwarming true story that I never knew existed. Marian Anderson was a renowned singer who was performing for a white audience, hosted by Albert Einstein. After her performance, she was told she couldn't stay at a nearby hotel because it was whites-only. However, Albert Einstein offered to let her stay at his home. This leads to a delightful friendship!

I loved this book not only for the story & storytelling, but the illustration as well, which captured the story beautifully thanks to Isabel Munoz. To summarize, this book warmed me and taught a history lesson at the same time while presenting racial equality and inequality to a younger audience.

[Electra (spoonfulofhygge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea about this story before.
What a beautiful narration weaving the problems of racism of the time whilst still keeping it suitable for middle graders. Loved the illustrations and the prose. An important book to read for the little ones that bring up race, Jews vs Nazis, music and friendship.
I loved it!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cool story that I had never heard of!

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for an e-ARC of this picture book.

Though I thought I knew much of Marian Anderson's story, I had no idea that she was friends with Albert Einstein. This book is a great non-fiction text that does a great job demonstrating that friends can be found in unlikely places.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I like most about this charming story is how it takes a little-known event of history, involving a few small acts of kindness, and turns it into a touching story that makes me want to know even more by the end. And indeed, an author's note at the end of the book clarifies the historical context for us adults or for especially curious young readers.

The illustrations are cute and fun, with a really nice overall style and color scheme. The book has a positive message and explores some real history and issues of discrimination, on a level that is serious but hopeful and that kids will intuitively understand (though will also require some discussion with parents to fully appreciate the discrimination faced by each of the two protagonists).

(I received a free advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.)

[Hannah]

I didn't know anything about this at all, and I'm not surprised by the events, but I love the book all the same.

[Pony Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this small copy, the author tells us about the encounter between the African-American singer Marian Anderson and the scientist Albert Einstein. After her first white-only concert, Anderson finds herself without a place to stay for the night and Einstein offers her his guest room.

The illustrations are beautiful; Anderson's hair, with that hairstyle with 1920s touches, in the transition to 1930s fashion, was what caught my eye on the cover.

Considering that it is short and that it is aimed at an audience between 5 and 11 years old, it perfectly frames the discrimination and prevailing racism of the time, making two different people come together, for the greater good.

Both children and adults should read this beautiful book, and perhaps, educating the future, we will not make the mistakes of the past again

[Shelley Bauknight Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children’s picture book tells the little known story of how the singer Marian Anderson and the scientist Albert Einstein met and started a lasting friendship. The illustrations are bold and captivating - pulling even the youngest reader into the story. The writing is simple enough for children to understand the big ideas of racism, inclusion and standing up for others. This will be a great addition to any classroom.