1 minute read
DISCUSSION GUIDE
PITCH PERFECT AND PERSISTENT! The Musical Debut of Amy Cheney Beach
7. Amy’s move to Boston was life changing. What did her music teachers call her? And how did her parents continue to respond?
8. Amy’s mamma finally changed her mind and allowed Amy to make her debut but for what initial reason?
9. What was unusual about Amy’s performance at the Boston Music Hall?
10. How do Alison Jay’s colorful and unique illustrations help you to understand Amy’s story better? How does the artwork give you a broader sense of Amy’s story and life?
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS + EXTRA CREDIT
• Amy Cheney Beach was a child prodigy. Define the word “prodigy”? Who are some other famous child prodigies in history?
• Amy’s mother strongly discouraged Amy’s musical ambitions throughout PITCH PERFECT AND PERSISTENT! What was society’s attitude towards women when Amy was a child and a teenager? Do you think Amy’s mother would have the same attitude if Amy were alive today? Discuss why or why not.
• Find the “PITCH PERFECT AND PERSISTENT!” Amy Cheney Beach playlist on Spotify and listen to a selection of her songs. How does her music make you feel?
• The text in PITCH PERFECT AND PERSISTENT! shares Amy Cheney Beach’s childhood, but this was just the beginning of Amy’s story! Read the author’s note in the back of the book. What else did you learn about Amy from this note?
• Many quotes from Amy Cheney Beach are scattered throughout the book. After finishing the story, go back to find and re-read these quotes. How do Amy’s words uncover her character and expand our understanding of her actions and motivations?
• Amy Cheney Beach lived from 1867 – 1944, which was a period of great change in the United States and the World. Create a timeline of these years, noting significant events or changes in the United States and the world in general. Select one major change or
