The first-ever picture book about Ethel Smyth, the world-famous composer and suffragette
"Brave women in history are examples that help us to be brave in the present. Learning about Ethel Smyth will be life-changing right now." --Gloria Steinem
? "A stirring tribute to a free-spirited composer who rode roughshod over her time's constraints on women....A rare nod to a now (but undeservedly) obscure artist, eloquent and inspirational."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
A 2023 Notable Trade Social Studies Trade Book for Young People (NCSS-CBC)
In 1867 England, a girl learned to be proper and speak when spoken to. But one girl marched to a different beat. Ethel Smyth climbed fences, explored graveyards, and yearned to become a famous composer at a time when only men could publish their music. But become a composer she did, first signing her music as E. Smyth so people couldn't guess her gender, then eventually writing openly as a woman (but still sometimes not getting paid ). Ethel had had enough. She joined the suffragette movement, marching in the streets and fighting for the right to vote. She even composed the famous "March of the Women" battle cry--and directed it from her cell window with a toothbrush when she was put into prison.
In superb text and stunning illustrations, Rise Up With a Song tells this remarkable story of Ethel Smyth, the woman who refused to stay down and who used her music to change the fate of women around the world. Backmatter includes a brief bio of Ethel's musical life, a list of famous works, and even a fascimile of her famous "March of the Women." An essential addition to musical and feminist libraries everywhere
"As I discovered when I first encountered her superb compositions, Ethel Smyth's music speaks for itself. But reading about her remarkable life story can also compel us to do more - to be more bold, and to fight for what we believe in. Told here in a wonderful way by Diane Worthey, this book will inspire people of all ages and genders." --James Blachly, Music Director, Experiential Orchestra
Industry Reviews
"Charmingly illustrated in full color, in a style thatrecalls the works of Lois Lenski, the book makes clear the constraints placed ongirls and women and the debt modern society owes to the courage of Smyth andothers. Charming illustrations and a brief text make accessible an earlysuffragist and lesser-known British composer. Eclectic but enjoyable."--SchoolLibrary Journal
KIRKUS REVIEWS, STARRED REVIEW:
A stirring tribute to a free-spirited composer who rode roughshod over her time's constraints on women.
Following up her profile of conductor Antonia Brico, In One Ear and Out the Other (2020), illustrated by Morgana Wallace, with a look at another strong-minded woman in music, Worthey introduces a British child who preferred outdoorsy adventures to genteel pursuits, fell in love with music at age 12, and went on to compose operas and chamber pieces despite her father's displeasure, the necessity of publishing anonymously (in early years, at least), and the refusal of some orchestras to perform anything by a woman. Joining the suffragettes, she set Cicely Hamilton's anthemic "March of the Women" to music--and after getting herself arrested, led fellow prisoners in performances waving a toothbrush as a baton. Perez Garcia illustrates that episode and earlier scenes in canted depictions of pale-skinned marchers and musicians in Edwardian dress arranged around a redheaded force of nature aglow with self-confidence. With a final view of a racially diverse group of modern women standing together arm in arm, the author closes with lyrical lines about Smyth's music marching on to inspire women worldwide "...today, / ...tomorrow, / ...and forever." An afterword with photos, a timeline, and a select but lengthy list of sources fills in further details of Smyth's long career. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A rare nod to a now (but undeservedly) obscure artist, eloquent and inspirational.
