**2025 NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Book WinnerHere is the little-known story of Florence Beatrice “Bea” Price, who faced many obstacles, including systemic racism and sexism, as she pushed forward to become one of the greatest Black classical composers.**Florence Beatrice “Bea” Price loved music from a young age. When she wasn’t practicing on the piano, she tapped her feet, drummed her fingers, and whistled. Growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas, she was surrounded by Neg...

Discover the untold yet inspiring story of Amy Beach, musician extraordinaire and the first successful woman composer in America.With perfect pitch and fierce persistence, Amy Beach always knew she had to make music. There was just one BIG problem. Her mother believed it was not proper or suitable for a young lady to draw attention to herself, let alone take on a musical career. But give in or give up? Not Amy Beach. She demanded to play the piano. Demanded to have...

Florence Beatrice Price was always breaking barriers—especially when it came to music. Raised in the Deep South, Bea broke through the barriers of racism and prejudice to master the piano and excel at school. And when opportunity came to study at the New England Conservatory of Music, Bea traveled north, one of only two Black students to attend.Bea continued to break barriers when she returned to the South to teach and find inspiration for her music, drawing from many different gen...

With perfect pitch and fierce persistence, Amy Beach always knew she had to make music. There was just one big problem. Her mother believed it was not proper or suitable for a young lady to draw attention to herself, let alone have a musical career. But give in or give up? Not Amy Beach. She demanded to play the piano. She demanded to have a real teacher. She demanded to perform. Luckily—for the world!—Amy’s persistence paid off. At just 16 years of age, Amy Beach found herself on the stag...