  | When I hear spirituals Author: Hudson, Cheryl Willis | |
| Price: $23.78 | ||
Summary:
A girl connects with heritage, history, and a higher power through the lyrics of twelve beloved spirituals and four seminal events in African American history.
| Added Entry - Personal Name: | Ladd, London |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (12/01/24)
School Library Journal (+) (12/13/24)
Booklist (+) (10/15/24)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (+) (00/12/24)
The Hornbook (+) (00/03/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Other - 11/11/2024 Willis Hudson movingly exalts the power of African American spirituals in a lyrics showcase that pairs existing verses with feelings they can evoke. On the first page, a Black child watching doves circle narrates on the verso: "When I hear spirituals,/ Sometimes,/ A big, full feeling/ Grows in my chest." The recto, meanwhile, supplies italicized lyrics: "Over my head, I hear music in the air." A page later, a Black adult in a pew bows their head, "A big lump/... stuck/ In my throat," while lyrics read, "Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen." Other spreads foreground a church congregation raising their hands in worship, a child dancing in a white dress, and Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King marching in a crowd, mixing historical scenes with everyday vignettes. Ladd’s ethereal acrylic, colored pencil, and cut paper illustrations render each characters’ heartfelt emotions visible, while personal-feeling text underlines how "spirituals speak/ To something tender/ And gentle/ And reverent/ And ‘sho’nuff’/ And ‘can-do’/ Inside of me." Back matter includes an author’s note and glossary. Ages 6-9. (Jan.) - Copyright 2024
School Library Journal - 12/13/2024 PreS-Gr 4—Awash in glorious color, this title celebrates the power, history, and strength that African American spirituals have had, and continue to have, to lift and support people of all ages. Each spread, illustrated in acrylics, cut paper, tissue paper, and colored pencil, highlights a specific spiritual and the impact of that song across time and in a variety of historical and contemporary settings. For example, a young girl dressed in a long white dress wants to share her "uh-huh" feelings, and the lyrics to "Rock-a My Soul" are paired with the young girl's swirling form. While not all readers will be familiar with the spirituals mentioned, most will find deep appreciation for the many ways that these songs have provided strength and connection throughout history to uplift a community that perseveres and flourishes in the face of many challenges. The book would make a wonderful introduction to the genre of spirituals, encouraging further investigation or in conjunction with studies of Black history. Back matter includes historical notes and resources pointing to online recordings of the various spirituals highlighted. VERDICT No matter the level of reader familiarity with spirituals, this title brims with lyricism and soul-lifting strength through its emotional illustrations and compelling text.—John Scott - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
