"Women can't conduct orchestras, they said, but Antonia Brico did.This straightforward biography of a woman who paved the way for today's women conductors (still few in number) is the second in a promising series of titles about Amazing Women. The author performed under Brico's baton as a teenager. Chronologically organized, attractively illustrated, carefully sourced, and accompanied by a helpful timeline, this also includes minibiographies of three other early female conductors as well as three from the present day. Ideal for girls with professional dreams of their own. (Biography. 7-12)"-- Kirkus Reviews "More than anything, Antonia Brico (1902-1989) wanted to be the professional conductor of an established orchestra. Though her dream was stymied by systemic sexism in the classical music world (she finished her career giving piano lessons and conducting a semiprofessional orchestra), her achievements inspired the next generation of women conductors.

Worthey, a musician who played in the Brico Symphony under the figure, infuses this straightforward telling of Brico's life with passion, emphasizing her persistence.Wallace combines sensitive watercolor, ink, pen, and cut-paper collage in illustrations that convey Brico's dauntless determination. Includes a timeline and capsule biographies of three current women conductors and three women trailblazers in classical music and conducting. Ages 7-11."-- Publisher's Weekly.