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.)