Independent reading level: 3rd grade
Awards: none ( )

This book is a work of art, illustrated with linocut prints by Elizabeth Catlett. The introduction gives biographical information on the artist, poet and composer, as well as a history of the song known as the African American National Anthem. The Johnsons were principal and music teacher and created the song for a program celebrating Abraham Lincoln's birthday. The original titles of the prints are listed. The score is included.

This book is filled with illustrations that depict the song Lift Every Voice and Sing. The author uses pictures that help the reader to understand the emotions that are felt as the reader turns each page to discover the image that is presented. This book can be used to teach poetry, and learners can be introduced to the Harlem Renaissance. Teachers of RLEA would love this simple book to help with alliteration, symbolism, and imagery. ( )

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This book reminds me of high school. In choir we sang this song for one of our festival pieces. When I saw this book, I had to see what the illustrator with it.The authors note says something about the Gulf Coast and the New Orleans area after Katrina and the words of this song spoke louder to Bryan Collier, the illustrator. He also uses water a lot in this book because of Katrina. It made me think about this song in a different way completely. A way that helped me connect it to the recent past rather than a further past I thought about back in high school. ( )