Book Review: “The Singer and the Scientist” by Lisa Rose

Recommended reading age: 5 to 11 (though kids of all ages can enjoy reading this with their families)

Why This is One of the Best Children’s Books

Music and mathematics have long overlapped, and sometimes in unexpected ways. That includes the friendship between scientist-mathematician Albert Einstein and Black songstress Marian Anderson.

Lisa Rose’s stirring book “The Singer and the Scientist” offers a valuable glimpse of this historic friendship, and its meaning in the shadow of prejudice.

Not only does this story introduce young readers to a little-known gem of history, but it also addresses  intolerance, and even captures the uniting power of music.

The book begins with Anderson experiencing racism directly after her rousing concert for a white audience in 1937 New Jersey. None of the white theatergoers will speak to her afterward, and she’s banned from the whites-only hotel nearby.

Only one audience member engages with her: Albert Einstein. Depicting the true events of their meeting, he raves about her performance and invites her to stay with him.

This sparks a friendship that lasted throughout their lives, and the book dives into why this pairing came so naturally.

The two bond over their mutual love of music, revealing Albert as a lifelong musician. He also empathizes with Marian as he describes the anti-Semitism he experienced in his native Germany, with the Nazis’ rise and their oppression of Jewish people.

The depiction of their budding relationship offers important insights for young readers.

First, it offers a peek into various aspects of history, including segregation in America and cruelties under Nazi Germany.

It also draws a clear parallel between racism and anti-Semitism, while demonstrating how baffling and wrong it was for two such incredible people (and for anyone) to be mistreated simply because of who they are.

Most important, the story emphasizes how easily people can get past such superficial differences.

Despite being of different religions, races and nationalities, Albert and Marian become instant friends, with him even accompanying her on his violin.

Kids will come away from this story with a stronger understanding of prejudice, and how true friendship can overcome it.

How My Child Reacted to This Book

My son in preschool wore a huge smile on his face during all the musical moments of this book, especially Marian’s showstopping concert and her duet with Albert.

He was a little confused about why people were mean to Marian and Albert, and I tried to provide a clear explanation of racism and anti-Semitism. I think he came to understand these terms and their meaning better through the story, and I expect he will gain a deeper understanding when we reread it as he grows older.

Potential Conversations and Activities to Pair with This Book

“The Singer and the Scientist” offers numerous topics that families can discuss together.

It provides a direct opportunity to address how intolerance can appear in many forms, and the importance of being kind to everyone.

Families can also speak about the many historical references in this book, including segregation and (depending on families’ comfort level), the rise of the Nazis and the Holocaust.

The end of the book also provides surprising facts about the two real-life characters that families can learn about together. This includes Albert Einstein’s efforts as a prominent activist, and Eleanor Roosevelt tapping Marian Anderson to give an influential concert.

Finally, this book offers an ideal chance to excite children about making music. Families can talk about different instruments and musical styles, and even sing together to demonstrate the joy of creating music.

More Children’s Books Like This

‘Finding Lincoln’ – A Boy Takes a Stand in a Segregated Town

‘Bats in the Band’ – Introducing Kids to Musical Instruments with Furry Friends

‘Camille and the Sunflowers’ – The Story of a Real Boy Who Befriended Vincent van Gogh