Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring

Authors Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan, and illustrator Brian Floca have collaborated on this wonderful picture-book tribute to another artistic collaboration, one which brought together the story idea and choreography of Martha Graham, the musical composition of Aaron Copland, and the set design of Isamu Noguchi, to produce the wonderful American ballet, Appalachian Spring. With a simple, but effective narrative, and gorgeously expressive illustrations, Ballet for Martha really communicates the creative vision of the three artists behind this landmark ballet, and how that vision was born out of working together.

I found this book unexpectedly engaging - not that I'd expected to dislike it, exactly, but I certainly wasn't prepared for show more how much I enjoyed it! - and came away with a greater appreciation for all three artists depicted. They each seem extraordinary in their own way - something highlighted, not just in the main narrative, but in the informative afterword as well. I didn't know that Martha Graham's dance troupe was the first to be integrated, or that Aaron Copland had been targeted by the McCarthy hysteria, or that Isamu Noguchi volunteered to join Japanese-Americans being interned in American concentration camps, during World War II. Obviously, I didn't know much! I'm glad to have learned a little bit about these figures, and hope to learn more about them in the future - something I imagine that young readers will feel as well. Recommended to all young ballet, music and art lovers, particularly those interested in these fields, and how they have developed in America. show less

Ballet for Martha is the story of how the dance "Appalachian Spring" was created. It is a great story for students to read since it allows them to see someone struggle with something they are creating and how a masterpiece can be created when they persevere. Martha Graham works with composer Aaron Copeland and artist Isamu Noguchi to get the dance just the right way. The reader sees how Martha struggles and makes many changes before the piece was completed. The illustrator uses realistic representations of the people to show us how the dance was created. The use of color and the subjects' expressions allow the reader to see the story. The reader is able to see the dance just like the original audience. The author included a curtain call show more so the reader is able to see photographs of the dancer, Martha, composer Aaron, and artist Isamu along with a biography of each. The reader is also able to see a lengthy bibliography to see the author's notes and sources. show less

There's just something about this poetic children's memoir-style piece. It uses sparing language and artistic prose to convey as much about the atmosphere of the Appalachian Spring project as the steps in its completion. It's obviously well researched and carefully presented. The question is whether it will reach a receptive audience. I loved it.

This beautifully written and illustrated picture book describes the entire process of creating and producing the American ballet called "Appalachian Spring". The book names the choreographer, the composer and the set director, and starts from the first spark and brainstorm, and goes to the end of the first performance.

I was so fascinated by this book. As a former dancer, I loved all the beautiful illustrations and dance technicalities that there mentioned. I think that the emphasis on collaboration and time and effort was really beautiful and could be a meaningful idea to many students. I would definitely read this to my older students, and have a discussion about how all good things take time and hard work. I thought this book was show more phenomenal. show less

Follow dancer and choreographer Martha Graham, composer Aaron Copland, and artist Isamu Noguchi on their journey to create the world-renowned modern ballet Appalachian Spring in this Sibert Honor-winning picture book. Readers are led through the process of creating music, choreography, and a set to form a unified work of art. The stunning watercolor illustrations are well-worthy of their award, featuring muted, realistic colors and bringing movement alive on the page. The first half of the book describes the creative process with simple, expressive sentences that are appropriate for a younger audience without oversimplifying the material, while the second half describes the actual ballet more with illustrations and less text. While not show more directly addressed in the book, a theme runs throughout that "art" is more than drawing or painting in art class; it involves all modes of creativity and a sense of collaboration amongst all types of artists. Short biographies of the three artists and a bibliography with notes are included. Budding fine artists will love hearing this story read aloud, and older readers who are interested in the artists will find the end matter helpful for school assignments or further reading. Highly recommended ages 6-12. show less

I decided to check out this book when I found out Brian Floca had illustrated it. I've never seen a ballet or had any dance experience, so I figured I wouldn't like this book. However, this book is about more than just a performance. It is about the drive, the determination, and collaboration of three very talented artists in music, dance, and set design that made a show come together that is still performed even today. This would be a great book to teach themes of motivation and collaboration in the classroom. Kids will see how it takes everyone's special talents to make an excellent end product.

A nice account of a truly American collaboration between Graham, Copland and Noguchi. The illustrations and text are informative without being overwhelming and the author's notes provide more background for the curious. Also, there are extensive endnotes and a bibliography. My 9-year-old & I enjoyed its clarity and specifics, but it was especially nice after reading this book to watch video on Youtube of part of the performance and to listen to Copland's orchestration of the score. I'll ask a local choreographer about her take on it.