Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan; illustrated by Brian Floca

[Sibert pick]

Ballet for Martha details the inception and implementation of Martha Graham’s ballet, Appalachian Spring. The book begins with a brief overview of how Graham’s ballets are different; she uses more stark and aggressive movements, using the body more as a canvas than as a metaphor. Then, the story of how the ballet begins to come together, with Graham collaborating with composer Aaron Copland and set designer Isamu Noguchi to create her story of a young pioneer couple striking out on their own in America. The ballet portrays their bravery and uncertainty in those brave and uncertain times.

Floca’s illustrations are well-matched to Greenberg’s and Jordan’s narrative, fully demonstrating Graham’s ballet techniques, frustrations, and triumphs. The back of the book contains a “Curtain Call” sections that offers more information about Martha Graham, Aaron Copland, and Isamu Noguchi; further, there is a Bibliography, a Notes and Sources, and a Photographs section that provides footnotes.