Pitch Perfect and Persistent! The Musical Debut of Amy Cheney Beach

In a picture book exploration of the childhood of composer and musician Amy Cheney Beach (1867–1944), DeLems spotlights a barrier-breaking feminist in the male-dominated 19th-century music industry. Growing up in a musical New Hampshire household, Cheney Beach early on exhibits characteristics of a musical prodigy—talents that alarm her traditionalist mother. Finally relenting to their daughter’s begging, the Cheneys allow their daughter to study piano, hoping the skill will help her find a husband. Ambitious Cheney Beach has no intention of settling, however, and as her excellent piano playing attracts attention, she resolves to defy convention by performing on stage. DeLems focuses on Cheney Beach’s childhood through her stage debut, energizing detail-rich text with interspersed staccato sentences and all-caps emphasis, while Jay’s crackled illustrations establish the mood of her rural upbringing through earth-toned paintings. Copious back matter discusses Cheney Beach’s marriage and career as a composer. Ages 7–10. (Mar.)