She Sang for India: How M.S. Subbulakshmi Used Her Voice for Change

Framing the life of M.S. Subbulakshmi (1916-2004) as a triumph of artistic activism, Subramaniam's accessible, artful biography of the Indian Carnatic singer invites readers to find "your own power and voice." Despite early 20th-century prohibitions against female performers in India, Subbulakshmi begins pursuing a career in Carnatic music at a young age. Eventually pushing through extensive gender barriers, Subbulakshmi is viewed as an international icon when she joins her voice with Mahatma Gandhi's, singing for peace in the effort for India's independence. Text focuses Subbulakshmi's fight against colonialism and sexism; complementing the hopeful tone, Gupta illustrates with a warm palette, representing musical sounds with floral star shapes--a tie-in to the jasmine flowers the figure famously wore in her hair during performances. Back matter includes an author's note and timeline. Ages 4-8. (Nov.)

K-Gr 3--Kunja Subbulakshmi sings with her grandmother, mother, and sister as they play the violin, tambura, and veena. Her brother plays a mridangam. Her instrument is her voice, and this takes place at home, for in early-1900s India, she is not allowed to sing in public. So Subbulakshmi breaks some rules to perform at small festivals. Then she makes an album. It takes time and persistence for her to break down barriers, until the day when an illustrious academy that had rejected her finally allows her to perform. History is truly made when Ghandi asks that she sing for India's freedom. This true story will fascinate and charm children who will wonder that the simple act of a girl singing is not permitted. The author does not gloss over the hardships. The illustrations with colorful backdrops and historical details show scene after scene of Subbulakshmi in a closed-eye, beatific state of singing; these are very moving at first though do become repetitive. In a very few pages the book covers India's tumultuous and sorrowful path to independence, a bittersweet depiction that may launch discussion of the costs of freedom. Back matter includes information about Carnatic music, a glossary, time line, and bibliography. VERDICT A wonderful biography for every collection.--Kimberly Olson Fakih