Common Sense Media Review
Color-burst pictures illuminate gospel songs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Three African-American spirituals are lovingly illustrated.
Is It Any Good?
It's no wonder that this sumptuous book won the Coretta Scott King Award. The gorgeous, colorful illustrations in this picture book swerve, melt, and celebrate the spiritual message in the three gospel songs shared here. They exemplify the hope and encouragement messaged in traditional African-American spirituals.
The text itself is lifted directly from songs that most kids will find familiar, having become part of our American lexicon regardless of religious faith or practice. Whether families are exploring this book because of their own Christian beliefs or looking at it as an important aspect of American history and culture, the book has much to offer.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about singing the songs together (sheet music is included in the back) and also explore the importance of spirituals in African-American history.
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Ashley Bryan
- Genre : Picture Book
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster
- Publication date : January 9, 2007
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 7
- Number of pages : 48
- Award : Coretta Scott King Medal and Honors
- Last updated : January 6, 2026
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