The Greatest Song of All by Megan Hoyt and Katie Hickey - ADVISABLE

The Greatest Song of All: how Isaac Stern united the worlds to save Carnegie Hall by Megan Hoyt, illustrated by Katie Hickey. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Quill Tree (Harper), June 2022. $19. 9780063045279

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Carnegie Hall was opened in 1891, when Isaac Stern was only 9 years old. By 1960, Stern had performed there more than 50 times. Then word comes that the Powers That Be are looking to modernize NYC’s downtown and Carnegie Hall is in the way. Isaac Stern will have to work swiftly to save his beloved Hall. He need help from people of all walk of life to raise the $5 million in such a short time.

A curiosity book about NYC history, but also great side stories that can be explored – urban planning, gentrification, displacing minorities in the name of “progress”. If a secondary class covers those types of issues, it could be a valuable addition.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS