Like a Bird

The Art of the American Slave Song

by Cynthia Grady

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Pub Date Sep 01 2016 | Archive Date Jul 30 2016

Lerner Publishing Group | Millbrook Press ™

Children's Nonfiction | History

Description

Enslaved African Americans longed for freedom, and that longing took many forms—including music. Drawing on biblical imagery, slave songs both expressed the sorrow of life in bondage and offered a rallying cry for the spirit.

Like a Bird brings together text, music, and illustrations by Coretta Scott King Award–winning illustrator Michele Wood to convey the rich meaning behind thirteen of these powerful songs.

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9781467785501
PRICE	$19.99 (USD)

Additional Information

Average rating from 22 members

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Featured Reviews

Carla J, Reviewer

The artwork in this book is absolutely amazing. Michelle Wood, the illustrator, used Spirituals to give her inspiration for her illustrations. Thirteen different songs are highlighted, such as Jacob's Ladder, Michael Row Your Boat Ashore, Ezekial Saw the Wheel, Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child and more. The origin of the song is explained and the lyrics are included. The illustration is highlighted and some questions are asked. This is a wonderful book that would definitely be a highlight of a Black History Presentation. This should be in every school and public library.

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Kathryn Z, Educator

Insanely gorgeous book that I cannot wait to put in the hands of my students in the upcoming school year! I learned new things from the author's notes, and I love the integration of sheet music, lyrics and beautiful illustrations. I can't wait to use this in my classroom as a mentor text! Love, love, love this book.