From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up-Lisandrelli portrays the pianist turned statesman in a smooth, easy-to-understand style. She draws on published memoirs and other books and articles about the man, carefully citing all of her sources. In telling Paderewski's story, the author covers general historical events and musical information between 1860 and 1941. The black-and-white photos are often dark or fuzzy, but allow readers to recognize the subject and his family. An engaging look at a loyal Polish citizen who used his musical talent and oratory skills to advance the ideals of his country.
Adrian Renee Stevens, Beaver Creek School, West Jefferson, NC
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Adrian Renee Stevens, Beaver Creek School, West Jefferson, NC
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Booklist
Gr. 6^-9. Reared by patriotic relatives in Poland's divided territory, young Paddy learned to love his homeland and to hold one predominant wish: to contribute, one day, to Poland's again being recognized as an independent nation. Paderewski's musical talent burgeoned early and led him to several world tours, where his beneficence and congeniality not only made him a wealthy artist but also paved the way for his later becoming a noted diplomat after injuries from a train wreck thwarted his musical career . Paderewski's earlier kindnesses to Herbert Hoover, FDR, and Gandhi revived his country when he was repaid by the world leaders with aid to Poland during both world wars. More for his impact on history than his astounding contributions to classical music, Paderewski proves a fascinating biographical subject. His personal trials of frequent illness and the deaths of his wife and son are interesting; his musical brilliance and mastery of language (he spoke seven fluently) are impressive. But it is his undying reverence for Poland and the heartbreaking betrayal he suffered at the hands of conflicting factions of the new Polish nation that prove the most enthralling aspects of this sharp, engaging biography. Roger Leslie
