Leonard Bernstein: In Love with Music (Lerner Biographies)
A Lerner biography Series
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Describes the life and career of the composer and conductor, Leonard Bernstein. From his early introduction to the piano to his achievements as one of America's most influential composers and conductors, the text explores Bernstein's journey through years of hard work, dedication, and fun. It highlights his intense passion and brilliance for composing, playing, and conducting, which inspired countless individuals globally to embrace music as an expression of love.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-18
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Leonard Bernstein
Serge Koussevitzky
Sam Bernstein
Discussion points
What inspires Leonard Bernstein's passion for music in the story?
How does Bernstein show determination and hard work in achieving his dreams?
What challenges does he face and how does he overcome them?
Can you think of a time when you felt a strong passion for something, like Bernstein does for music?
What did you learn about expressing yourself through art or music from Bernstein’s story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences with passion or interests to Bernstein's journey in the book.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and hard work by drawing examples from Bernstein’s challenges and achievements.
Ask your child to describe their emotions during key moments in the story to deepen their empathy and understanding of the character.
Use the book as an opportunity to explore different genres of music with your child, discussing how each can express various emotions and stories.
Connect the story's themes to daily life by identifying moments where your child or family members demonstrate passion or creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Pursuing passions
Explanation: The book details how Leonard Bernstein followed his love for music despite various challenges, illustrating his journey from learning the piano to becoming a world-renowned conductor and composer.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and dedicate time to their interests and hobbies, whether in arts, sports, or academics, learning from Bernstein’s dedication and success.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through adversity
Explanation: Bernstein faced numerous obstacles, including initial financial difficulties and skepticism from peers, but he persevered, ultimately conducting his first major performance at the young age of 25.
Real-World Application: This story can teach children the value of persistence and hard work in overcoming challenges in their own lives, from academic struggles to personal trials.
Example Lesson: Importance of education
Explanation: Bernstein's achievements were largely driven by his extensive education in music, attending prestigious institutions and learning from prominent teachers.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to appreciate their schooling and seek additional knowledge outside traditional classrooms to advance their own dreams.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: Through his compositions and performances, Bernstein made classical music accessible and relevant, engaging diverse audiences and promoting cultural literacy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and explore different cultures through art, music, and literature, enriching their understanding and appreciation of the world.
Example Lesson: Creativity and innovation
Explanation: Bernstein was known for his innovative approaches to music, blending various styles and often bringing new twists to traditional scores.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively in their problem-solving and to be open to experimenting with new ideas in their daily tasks and play.