The Greatest Song of All: How Isaac Stern United the World to Save Carnegie Hall

by Megan Hoyt (Author) Katie Hickey (Illustrator)

The Greatest Song of All: How Isaac Stern United the World to Save Carnegie Hall
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

From the acclaimed author of Bartali's Bicycle comes the inspiring story of violin virtuoso Isaac Stern and his mission to save the beloved Carnegie Hall from demolition.

When Carnegie Hall first opened its doors in 1891, no one could have predicted its incredible success. With talented artists like Duke Ellington and Albert Einstein gracing its stage, the hall quickly became a place where all people--no matter their skin color, religion, or social status--could come together under one roof to be entertained.

People like Isaac Stern. The son of Jewish immigrants who fled war-torn Ukraine for America to escape the Holocaust, Isaac was a talented violinist whose dream of one day performing on Carnegie Hall's legendary stage came true, many times over. So when a real estate tycoon sets out to demolish Carnegie Hall, Isaac knew something had to be done to preserve decades of hopes, dreams, and inclusivity.

Author Megan Hoyt and illustrator Katie Hickey tell the true story of one man's fight to save a historical landmark whose timeless symbol of equality will forever stand the test of time.

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Hardcover
$18.99

ALA/Booklist

Hoyt pays tribute not just to the renowned violinist but to a unique cultural institution that has hosted many luminaries. Young readers will doubtless be left duly appreciative of both. Compelling.

Kirkus

The book documents this history while at the same time acknowledging the importance of musical education and Carnegie Hall's modern role in that pursuit. The digital illustrations enhance the text perfectly, capturing the grandeur of performances and the diversity of New York and its citizens. You'll be shouting 'Bravo!' 

Hornbook

In clear, engaging text, Hickey's finely detailed digital cartoons place Stern in the spotlight, capturing his ceaseless energy and stalwart efforts. His message--'When you believe in something, you can move mountains!'--is a good one for children to hear, and this story is a great way to introduce the famous fiddler and his favorite performance venue to the next generation of music lovers.

Review quotes

 

Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780063045279
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Quill Tree Books
Publication date
July 05, 2022
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF038100 - Juvenile Nonfiction | People & Places | United States
JNF007110 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Social Activists
JNF007040 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Music
JNF025210 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | United States/20th Century
JNF005000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Architecture
Library of Congress categories
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