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

by Megan Hoyt, Katie Hickey (Illustrator)

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063045279
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	07/05/2022
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	506,890
Product dimensions:	9.20(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Megan Hoyt first fell in love with reading on a cozy branch of the crab apple tree outside her Texas home. She devoured Beverly Cleary’s books there, and Marguerite Henry’s “horsey books” still remind her of the loud Texas cicadas at dusk. Bartali’s Bicycle is Megan’s debut picture book biography. Her first picture book was Hildegard’s Gift, and her poem, “Thanksgiving by the Lake,” appears in the anthology Thanku: Poems of Gratitude. When she is not writing, Megan tutors child actors on set for Disney, Warner Bros., Showtime, and Cinemax, among others. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, where most days she is surrounded by three fluffy pups and piles upon piles of picture books. Visit Megan online at www.meganhoyt.net.

Katie Hickey is an illustrator whose work deals with both the narrative and informational realms, often combining the two. A graduate of Falmouth University in foggy Cornwall, England, Katie frequently takes inspiration from her travels and surroundings to create characterful and atmospheric images.

Editorial Reviews

A precious glimpse into an important moment in history. It is a true love letter to Carnegie Hall, and should have a place on all shelves.”  — School Library Journal (starred review)

"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!'" — Kirkus Reviews

"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." — Booklist

"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." — Horn Book Magazine

From the Publisher

★ 08/01/2022

Gr 1–4—Music, history, and social justice combine in the unique story of famed violinist Isaac Stern's struggle to save Carnegie Hall from destruction. The premier performance in 1891 sets the scene for the historical significance of this landmark, a place where people from all backgrounds came to perform. Hoyt presents Stern at an early age, who performed so often at Carnegie Hall that it felt like his second home. When city planner Robert Moses planned to knock the hall down along with 18 city blocks of buildings occupied by largely poor Black families in 1960, Stern began a campaign to save the building. From protests to petitions, fundraising to legislation, Stern worked with employees, musicians, politicians, and philanthropists to create a long-term solution: an educational institution housed in the hall, which would then pay for itself after the city's purchase of the building. Back matter and an author's note offer ample extensive resources and background, as well as a sweet connection between the author and subject: her parents met in New York as professional musicians. Hickey's illustrations drop readers right into New York City and Carnegie Hall. The shading, details, and colors create a richness that echoes the splendor and decadence of the performance space. Similarly, Hoyt's ample adjectives and similes offer just the right amount of flourish and flamboyance without being overly flowery. VERDICT This volume offers a precious glimpse into an important moment in history. It is a true love letter to Carnegie Hall, and should have a place on all shelves.—Clara Hendricks

School Library Journal

2022-06-08
How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice. (And thanks to the Herculean efforts of Isaac Stern.)

Carnegie Hall, the New York monument to music and musical education that was constructed by Andrew Carnegie, has hosted a range of performers and speakers, from singer Marian Anderson to physicist Albert Einstein. But it’s thanks to the unrelenting work of violinist Isaac Stern that Carnegie Hall still exists. In 1960, New York City planner Robert Moses intended to demolish the hall in his quest to redesign and modernize Manhattan. Protesters, musicians, and concerned citizens gathered to defend the historic building, but nothing changed. Still, Stern remained steadfast in his desire to raise both awareness and funds to ensure the hall’s survival—all of which ultimately paid off. 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. The added author’s note, information on Carnegie Hall and Stern, timeline, and sources provide additional information, making the book an excellent reference for reports or to encourage curious readers to learn more. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

You’ll be shouting “Bravo!” (Informational picture book. 7-10)

Kirkus Reviews