Music Was It: Young Leonard Bernstein

This is the inspirational story of young Leonard Bernstein, who was devoted to music from early childhood and clung to his dreams despite his father’s opposition. The book details his life growing up near Boston and leads to his triumphant debut conducting the New York Philharmonic at just 25 years old. The book is entertaining and very well researched, and includes many photos, quotes and anecdotes. Music Was IT! won the Sydney Taylor Book Award and was a National Jewish Book Award finalist as well as a finalist in the YALSA Awards for Excellence in Nonfiction for young adults.