Mahalia Mouse Goes to College: Book and CD

Book Description

Mahalia Mouse and her family live underneath Dunster House, an old Harvard dormitory. Foraging for food for her younger brothers and sisters, Mahalia gets trapped in a backpack and then finds herself inside a classroom far from home. Mahalia, intrigued by the lecture, starts attending classes and soon becomes a full-time student -- all the while wondering about the fate of her family. But when graduation day finally arrives, Mahalia has a wonderful surprise waiting for her.

Written as part of his keynote address at Harvard's commencement, this latest book from John Lithgow (class of '67) incorporates his trademark witty rhymes and includes a CD of him reading the text at the commencement. Mahalia's story has an inspiring message for graduates or anyone whose success is worthy of celebration.

Customer Reviews:

Perfect for a graduate -- preschool through Ph.D........2007-09-13

Today I found a rare thing -- a book that would be an excellent graduation gift whether the grad in question is departing preschool or university. It's "Mahalia Mouse Goes to College," by John Lithgow (Harvard Class of `67), illustrated by Igor Oleynikov.
When I taught juniors at Penn State this spring, I discovered they believe children do not like books that contain vocabulary beyond their ken. I argued that encountering new words might increase children's vocabulary and thus be a good thing, and they agreed but claimed that kids often don't like what's good for them. True enough, and if you share my students' conviction, then John Lithgow's books -- which include "The Remarkable Farkle McBride," and "Marsupial Sue" -- are not for you.
If, on the other hand, you think kids get a kick out of mastering words like wisteria (rhymes with cafeteria), allayed (rhymes with paid), and zoology (rhymes with psychology), then Lithgow's rollicking texts will appeal to you. In this case, it's not only the wordplay that is fun. Lithgow has written a parable about the ruthlessness involved in leaving home in order to achieve greater things.
Lithgow's opening lines, coupled with Oleynikov's grim, rain-soaked illustration, evoke an almost Dickensian mood. Or maybe they were shooting for Lemony Snicket? Anyway, the story begins:
"The skies of September were bursting with rain
Pelting the old dormitory
It filled every gutter and choked every drain
Chapter 1 of Mahalia's story."
As if the rain weren't bad enough, Mahalia's mother, consumed by sorrow, sends her daughter out foraging, warning that things are so dire "the babies may die." Dutifully, Mahalia departs, is attracted by the smell of cheese in a college student's backpack, finds herself zipped inside, and next thing you know is entranced by a lecture that "concerns the behavior of atoms in space/Their collisions and fissions, their motion and pace."
The dying babies are forgotten, and Mahalia enrolls in college where she excels not only academically but at extracurriculars like squash and, briefly, square dancing.
The story ends in a hail of confetti and sunshine on graduation day with Mahalia and her family reunited -- the babies, apparently, having survived. It's a great story with just the edge of poignance that accompanies one generation's outstripping its predecessor.

Mahalia Mouse Goes to College.......2007-08-01

Mahalia Mouse Goes to College is a wonderful book, written by John Lithgow. It comes with a cd of the author narrating the story which is great. The illustrations are vivid and bring the story to life. The story is about a mouse that goes to college. This book is a dedication to the Harvard graduating class of 2005. John Lithgow was the guest speaker at that commencement and having had a son in that class of 2005, this was a must have book for my Harvard graduate as a keepsake which he can share with his children some day.

Illistrations.......2007-05-25

I wish the illistrations were a little brighter. They seemed a bit dark & scary.

MAHALIA MOUSE GOES TO COLLEGE.......2007-05-13

This is the cutest book to read to children of all ages. It is a great read for an adult. If you went to a college class you will certainly appreciate how this little mouse attends the college classes. It also comes with a CD.You will love this book. I highly recommed it.

Excellent book!.......2007-05-12

The book arrived in perfect timing and is just what we wanted to give to our grandson who graduates from high school on the 20th and to enter college in the fall.

Just Mahalia, Baby: The Mahalia Jackson Story

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Just Mahalia, Baby: The Mahalia Jackson Story
Laurraine Goreau
Manufacturer: Word Books, Publisher
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NZ60XS

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Just Mahalia, Baby!
"Don't Make Me No Saint, Baby"
Just Wonderful

Just Mahalia, Baby: The Mahalia Jackson Story

Manufacturer: Pelican Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0882894412

Book Description

"It brings to life not only Mahalia (Jackson) but an entire ethos for people who will never be able to have any other contact with it". Choice

Customer Reviews:

Just Mahalia, Baby!.......2007-01-23

Great biography! I have always enjoyed reading about the world's greatest singer, and this biography simply takes out all the stops and tells about the true Mahalia, in her own words. Mahalia, I miss you more and more each day, because no one sings like you or as well as you sang.

"Don't Make Me No Saint, Baby".......2002-12-20

I read this lengthy story many years ago. In the meantime I was privileged to meet one of Mahalia's former pianists, Rev. J. D. Strawther, who is so listed in the book. Hearing Strawther's chronicle of his experience with the powerful singer made the book come alive to me. I am a very strong admirer of the late Clara Ward, and enjoyed reading, from Mahalia's viewpoint, about the relationship of the Ward Singers and Miss Jackson.

It is extremely admiral to see how that Mahalia pulled herself up by her own bootstraps in a day and time when that was very difficult, and given her problem with timing in regards to her vocal singing. It must have taken a lot of courage for Laurraine to write the good, the bad and the ugly; and some instances were rather disappointing. But she wrote as she was instructed, "Don't make me no saint, baby."

Just Wonderful.......2002-02-18

Just great...but very long. In my school library, we have 2 copies of of this book, and I believe that I've checked them out close to 15 times. I really enjoyed the parts that I've been able to read.

It had it's contented times and it had it's sad times. There's information about Mahalia's concerts/T.V appearances...what went on backstage, during the concert, and after the concert. One of my favorites was the part where Mahalia was a guest on Dinah Shore's show and they sang many songs, and then it came time to sing my favorite song, "Elijah Rock." Dinah said that she couldn't remember the words, but tried everything in her power to distract her singing by clapping or adding stuff in the song. I believe that I remember reading that Mahalia, shortly after beginning the song, saw that Dinah forgot the song and kept looking at her in a joking manner. I laugh everytime I read that.

Book Description

“Haley” Jackson grew up in poverty on the levees of New Orleans, hunting alligators along the Mississippi River for food and gathering driftwood for fuel with her brother Peter. But every Sunday, when her father preached at the Baptist Church, young Mahalia sang proudly in the choir—the youngest member at age 5! Lively illustrations and engaging text pull young readers into the world in which Mahalia Jackson grew up. Whether constructing her doll’s braid from blades of grass, stuffing a cornhusk mattress, or adjusting to life in her Aunt Duke’s home after her mother died, young Mahalia displayed the persistence and courage that foreshadowed the civil rights champion and world-famous gospel singer she would become. Working as a maid and a laundress, she always found the time for her passion—singing her special brand of music known as gospel in churches. She met the challenge of being black in what was largely a white entertainment world, overcoming poverty and prejudice and pioneering the way for all aspiring African Americans who succeeded her. Singing for royalty, presidents, and working closely with her friend Martin Luther King, Haley never forgot her early days on the levee and she found special joy encouraging young African-Americans to follow their ambitions.

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"Haley" Jackson grew up in poverty on the levees of New Orleans, hunting alligators along the Mississippi River for food and gathering driftwood for fuel with her brother Peter. But every Sunday, when her father preached at the Baptist Church, young Mahalia sang proudly in the choir-the youngest member at age 5! Lively illustrations and engaging text pull young readers into the world in which Mahalia Jackson grew up. Whether constructing her doll's braid from blades of grass, stuffing a cornhusk mattress, or adjusting to life in her Aunt Duke's home after her mother died, young Mahalia displayed the persistence and courage that foreshadowed the civil rights champion and world-famous gospel singer she would become. Working as a maid and a laundress, she always found the time for her passion-singing her special brand of music known as gospel in churches. She met the challenge of being black in what was largely a white entertainment world, overcoming poverty and prejudice and pioneering the way for all aspiring African Americans who succeeded her. Singing for royalty, presidents, and working closely with her friend Martin Luther King, Haley never forgot her early days on the levee and she found special joy encouraging young African-Americans to follow their ambitions.

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A book for everyone
Gospel and Civil Rights bound together in a marvelous book
Mahalia

Mahalia : A Life in Gospel Music
Roxane Orgill
Manufacturer: Candlewick
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0763610119
Release Date: 2001-12-31

Amazon.com

Born black and poor into a small house crammed with 13 people, Mahalia Jackson hardly seemed destined to "walk with kings and queens," as her beloved Aunt Bell predicted. Yet, with deep faith in God and a voice that could turn a sedate audience into a writhing, foot-stomping frenzy, Mahalia did indeed find spectacular and satisfying fame and glory. Credited as one of the voices that introduced gospel music to the world at large, Mahalia remained true to her faith even as she climbed the road to superstardom. From down-home churches to Carnegie Hall, from the 1963 equal rights march on Washington to the funeral of her good friend Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., Mahalia sang her heart out.

Roxane Orgill's handsome biography, with many black-and-white photos, follows the remarkable career of this New Orleans washer-girl who became an internationally acclaimed singer and supporter of the civil rights movement. Like the thousands of rapt audience members over her lifetime, readers will be moved and inspired by this powerful woman and her unwavering convictions. (Ages 10 and older) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

Mahalia Jackson’s rise from a young choir soloist in New Orleans to America’s most famous gospel singer is a stirring story of social and musical history.

Born poor in New Orleans in 1911, young Mahalia Jackson was told to
"let it out" when she sang the gospel at church each Sunday. Swaying and clapping her hands, she astonished everyone who heard her powerful voice. As her fame grew, her soulful voice helped introduce gospel music to the world and brought hope to thousands of civil rights workers who marched for equality in the 1960s. Through it all, Mahalia’s faith in God never wavered and her talent remained a shining light. Roxane Orgill’s compelling narrative, accompanied by more than fifty photographs, brings drama, depth, and immediacy to the life of the world’s most famous gospel singer.

Customer Reviews:

A book for everyone.......2002-08-14

This is not the first book Ms. Orgill has written about musicians. In this, as in the others, her passion for, and knowlege about music shines through her words.
MAHALIA is not only a meticulously researched biography, but also an excellent portrayal of the times in which Mahalia lived. It is definately not just a book to be pulled out during Black History Month. It's a well told, important story for everyone, and should be in every library and school library in the country.

Gospel and Civil Rights bound together in a marvelous book.......2002-04-30

This is a wonderful look at the determination of the great gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. She not only brought Gospel singing to the world, she was a force in the civil rights movement as well. Ms. Orgill has written a compelling biography and writes in a style that practically "sings" like Mahalia herself. This beautifully written book with its wealth of photographs bring Mahalia and that time in history vividly back to life.

Mahalia.......2002-01-26

I couldn't wait for this book to hit the bookstores! It was refreshing to read a "new" book on this incredible woman. Mrs. Orgill included many photos to help the reader sense what the times were like for Mahalia during her growing up years right on through to the high point in her career. The book showed photos of the home Mahalia grew up in and also the first home she owned. Mahalia lived a very hard life but her faith in God saw her through. She devoted herself to a life in Gospel music and never let anything or anyone tempt her to change her mission in life. Mahalia was one of Gospel music's pioneers and no one since has been able to fill her shoes. This book was a job well done. Excellent reading...

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Just Mahalia, Baby
Laurraine R. Goreau
Manufacturer: W PUBLISHING GROUP
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0876803079

Mahalia Jackson: Born to Sing Gospel Music (Sower Series.) (Sower Series.)

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Mahalia Jackson: Born to Sing Gospel Music (Sower Series.) (Sower Series.)
Evelyn Witter , and A. G. Smith
Manufacturer: Mott Media (MI)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0880620455
Release Date: 1985-06-03

Product Description

She considered her talent a gift from God and used it to inspire audiences all over the world.

Mahalia Jackson: Queen of Gospel Song (Impact Books- Biographies Series)

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Mahalia Jackson: Queen of Gospel Song (Impact Books- Biographies Series)
Leslie Gourse
Manufacturer: Franklin Watts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding

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ASIN: 0531112284

Mahalia Jackson: The Voice of Gospel and Civil Rights (African-American Biographies)

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Leaving New Orleans - to come back one day ...
Leaving New Orleans - to come back one day ...

Mahalia Jackson: The Voice of Gospel and Civil Rights (African-American Biographies)
Barbara Kramer
Manufacturer: Enslow Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

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ASIN: 0766021157

Customer Reviews:

Leaving New Orleans - to come back one day ..........2005-09-09

Everything had started very Spartan for Mahalia Jackson (1911-1972), in New Orleans: She had to scavenge coal from the railroad tracks or collect wood from the river bank after the early death of her mother for the family of her strict aunt Duke. New Orleans had many shade sides for Mahalia: She hated the rigorous racial segregation. And she hated "Mardi Gras": Using carnival rites, hiding their identities behind their masks criminals killed. (The son of her aunt died at such a "Mardi Gras" event.) She therefore used the chance 1927, aged 16, and accompanied another sister (Hannah) of her deceased mother to Chicago. Somebody named Louis Armstrong had made up his mind similarly at that time. She got in the north of the USA the opportunity to join a quartet - soon after her voice had jealously been classified as too striking in the church choir. At first she had a hard row to hoe with a minister, who did not like her hand clapping and did not tolerate her rhythmical body movements. He furiously recommended her the return to the south. She stayed in Chicago, succeeded with her style, but it still should last long until she could drive a lavender-colored Cadillac, could buy a seven-room house in a white neighborhood, guarded by police. At least she had success. She celebrated her annual appearances in the New York Carnegie Hall or in radio shows, was praised by Martin Luther King or sang for president Eisenhower (in the 1950s) or for the inaugural at of John F. Kennedy (in the 1960s). She sang for the civil rights March on Washington or met Indira Gandhi. When she appeared (for a recording session) on the occasion of a symposium of music professors in Lenox, Massachusetts, she afterwards was assigned to sleep in a converted stable. When she woke up in her horse stall early in the morning, she heard tape recordings of her own voice floating out of the splendid villa windows. She felt very angry. She would never forget this situation. And she never has forgotten her very beginning: In New Orleans she had heard the voice of Enrico Caruso out of the windows of white neighborhoods. And she listened to the voice of Bessie Smith, coming out of the windows in black neighborhoods. A mixture of it became her own unmistakable style. Moreover, her musical heart had been set on fire at the funeral rites in New Orleans - particularly at the happier pieces following the respective burial. The blues made her too sad, she said. She disapproved by the way, that the honor of a traditional, street party like New Orleans funeral never was granted to a woman. Therefore she wrote the song "Jesus met the woman at the well". In January 1972 Mahalia was treated to a traditional New Orleans funeral. She liked bands, playing slow dirges, following a coffin drawn by white horses...

Leaving New Orleans - to come back one day ..........2005-09-09

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Mahalia
Mahalia
The Best Book!!!
Tale of a Teenage Father

Mahalia
Joanne Horniman
Manufacturer: Laurel Leaf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0440237890
Release Date: 2004-12-14

Book Description

MATT LOVED EVERYTHING about Emmy. He loved her freckled, luminous, magical body. He loved her free spirit. He loved the future he saw when he found out Emmy was pregnant. And he loved her answer when her parents protested their decision to keep the baby: “We’ll just love it, okay?”

Full of emotion and insight, Mahalia is the story of one teenage boy’s struggle to be a better father than he knows how.

“A poignant and memorable love story of a young father and his daughter.”—School Library Journal

“A starkly candid and sensitive portrait of teenage parenthood.”—The Horn Book Magazine

A Children’s Peace Literature Prize Recommended Book

Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards’ Shortlist

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Mahalia.......2003-12-20

There are many different books about teenage pregnancies and the struggles of raising a child on your own, but the book Mahalia does not fall into the normal catagorie of those books. For the most part most books focus on the girls point of view, or only concentrate on one side of the story. The book Mahilia tells the story from the fathers point a view. Matt(Mahilia's father) takes care of her after Emmy(Mahilia's Mother) leaves from feeling too much pressure from being a mom at such a young age. Matt is constantly struggling from only thinking about the future, and trying to move on from the past. Remembering his past, and how he was raised by his single mother, early on in Mahilia's life Matt decides he wants somthing better. When Matt takes Mahilia and moves back to his town, he does everything he can to keep from letting his mom take over taking care of Mahalia. Matt and Mahalia move into a house with a 22 year old student, and another girl. They all are struggling with bills, and their own lives but the girls take time to watch Mahalia so Matt can have a break. This story shows the struggle the Matt has between his old life, childless and carefree, and his new life, full of hardships. Towards the end Matt relizes that it's love that keep him and Mahalia together.
" Now the man has a child, He knows all the names of the local dogs." - Japanese Poem

Mahalia.......2003-09-25

Eventhough the plot is somewhat sad it is really an uplifting book about a poor teen single father trying to cope with having a child whose mother has left him. I recommend highly for teenage boys who are in the same predicament. Definitely also for teen mothers. Very realistic plot about the poverty of country side of Australia.

The Best Book!!!.......2003-08-12

This book is great! It's such a sad book but it is also hopeful and happy. I've read this book many time. I love it!

Tale of a Teenage Father.......2003-08-07

Matt is 17. His girlfriend Emmy has left with him with their daughter, Mahalia. Matt loves Mahalia more than anything else in the world, but he quickly realizes you can't live on love alone.

We follow Matt and Mahalia's life as they move in with his mother, find their own apartment and meet an electic cast of supporting characters who support them in different ways. We see Matt's fatherly pride and love as Mahalia says her first word, takes her first steps and grows up slowly, but surely. Matt grows a lot too, and learns about himself, Emmy's motivations and the Australian world around him.

This is not a superb book, but it is a recommended book all the same.

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