Customer Reviews

A Band of Angels

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I must be one of thousands and thousands of people who can't remember when I first learned songs like "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot"--and I had no idea that we owe our knowledge of that song and other spirituals to the Jubilee Singers. The author does a terrific job of making the reader care about Ella (based on Ella Sheppard Moore), who never does get the education she wants so much but who manages to help save both Fisk University AND songs like "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and "Go Down, Moses." Raul Colon's illustrations are warm and moving. This is a book to give as a present to anyone who loves music (especially spirituals and other traditional songs), not just to kids.

When I heard about this book on NPR I wished there were more places to hear about children's books like this one. It seems as though bookstores often carry only light and fluffy or series books. I love to share historical fiction with my children and love books like A BAND OF ANGELS.

It gave me chills, to read Deborah Hopkinson's newest book, A BAND OF ANGELS. Every bit as touching and inspiring as Hopkinson's SWEET CLARA AND THE FREEDOM QUILT, this is a true story about a little-known chapter in African-American history. Ella Shepard and the Fisk U. Jubilee Singers' dedication to a cause greater than themselves led them to preserve many of the old spirituals that were on the verge of being forgotten. They took this music into the world, raising money to keep the doors of Fisk open, so others could come behind them and learn. Raul Colon's artwork is full of tenderness and a look of long-ago longing that blends perfectly with the text. A great book for sharing during Black History month, but even better for just any time of year, any time you want to share a story about a strong woman, and human beings who find a way to triumph in the face of adversity.

A Band of Angels tells the story of Grandma Ella, a character who is inspired by Ella Sheppard Moore who was a pianist for the Jubilee Singers of Fisk University. We learn that Grandma Ella was born into slavery and freed at fourteen when the civil war ended. The story details how young Ella worked tirelessly to save money to attend a new school for freed slaves known as Fisk School. After saving her money and arriving at Fisk, Ella continues working so that she can stay in school and also joins the school chorus. In spite of her personal efforts, she still faced the very real possibility of having to leave school because the school itself was experiencing great financial hardship. While school officials had pretty much given up hope of keeping the school open, the school chorus and Professor White, the choir director, believe that they can help save the school by doing concerts throughout the North. The story then chronicles the experiences of the choir which range from jubilant moments to performing in virtually empty concert halls.

A Band of Angels is a book that provides a colorful way to share a proud part of African American heritage with your children. Colon's illustrations add greater depth to the story and will help children better visualize the events that take place. While this is a work of fiction, the story is based on real people who selflessly used their talents to keep Fisk's doors open. The book also provides a good introduction to Negro Spirituals, which were kept alive through the voices of the Jubilee Singers. In addition, readers will see how this brave group of singers would not let racism quiet their talented voices. Above all, the story will help inspire children to hold fast to their dreams in spite of the hurdles or difficulties they may encounter along the way.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

The storyteller, Aunt Beth, relates to her niece the story of her great-great grandmother Ella Sheppard. This is the story of the determination of a girl to save her school by forming a chorus and taking them on tour to raise money. While the story is fiction, Hopkinson reveals in a note at the end of the text that is was inspired by factual events. Raul Colon's earth-toned art gives this book a historical flair. The glowing illustrations are suggestive of old photographs. The child narrator gives the book the personal effect to entice the reader to be indulged. This story illustrates the power of hard work and determination.

If you have read Andrew Ward's new book about the Jubilee Singers, Dark Midnight When I Rise, you will also be interested in this award-winning book that introduces children to their inspiring history.

I recall reading this book in my middle school library. I am glad to see that it is still availabe. This books should be required readin for all persons interested in majorin in music.

A Band of Angels is a moving story by Deborah Hopkinson based on real events and people from history. The book is appropriate for readers in third through fifth grade, and would particularly be appropriate for those studying American history in the late 1800s. The experiences and emotions that Ella faces in the book provide a good depiction of the feelings and events people encountered during that time period in a subtle way. The watercolor and colored pencil illustrations are presented in soft and appropriate colors that are well-suited to the text. The pictures are unique examples of the illustrator, Raul Colon's work, and add to the mood and setting of the story. Overall, A Band of Angels is a touching story that children can enjoy.