Sing it!

A Biography of Pete Seeger


Sing it! A Biography of Pete Seeger, presents the life of Pete Seeger as a tapestry of music woven with activism, conveying not only Pete’s contribution to music, but through it. This chapter book for middle grade readers is more than the biography of an iconic folk singer; it is the story of a great American—truly, the poster child for activism—who filled his toolbox with songs and humbly set out to repair whatever in the world was broken. Pete Seeger sang, wrote, taught and attached himself to causes ranging from social justice to worm farming, galvanizing people to action through songs and singing together. Readers will be surprised and delighted to discover how many familiar songs, projects and events can be traced to Pete, and how, despite his shunning of the spotlight, he was rooted at the center of so many pivotal twentieth century movements. Not only will readers recognize the significance of Pete’s life—and take away a good chunk of American history in the process—but, through Pete’s model, will be inspired to reflect on their own power to make change.

Reviews

[Seeger’s] ardent, idealistic, humorous, and self-deprecating personality pervades the text … Danziger strikes an artful balance between maintaining a chronological narrative and helping readers understand both the individual and the times he lived in. … This volume pays admirable tribute to his impact. Read full Review
- Publishers Weekly starred review

Meryl Danziger’s book Sing It! is a delightful as well as compelling portrait of Pete Seeger.
-David Amram, composer, multi-instrumentalist, conductor, author

Teaching young students about the work and music of Pete Seeger is as important as teaching them about Abraham Lincoln. Thanks to Meryl Danziger for writing this book.
-Roger McGuinn, lead singer and guitarist of the Byrds

When Music lessons fail

And why it should matter to everyone

It is, in fact, nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of education have not entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry; for this delicate little plant, aside from stimulation, stands mainly in need of freedom. –Albert Einstein

Many people who begin music lessons with excitement and hope quit their lessons in despair, never to engage in music again. Given that lots of these people have significant musical potential, why does this happen so often? This book explores the ramifications of these failures both for the individual and society, and delves into the root of the problem, which lies not with the learner, but with the nature of music lessons themselves.