From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 5--A moving visual interpretation of Holiday and Herzog's swing spiritual based on the proverb, "God blessed the child that's got his own." The song serves as the inspiration for Pinkney's depiction of the Great Migration of the 1930s. Through evocative images, the artist tells the story of one family's move north. The warm and sweeping illustrations are masterful, completely filling each spread. Although the pages are rich in detail, the well-composed paintings never seem cluttered or overwhelming. There is something new to attract readers, even after several readings. The sense of the family members as a unit, as well as their emotions of hope, anxiety, and relief, are all beautifully conveyed. A CD of Holiday performing the song is included, and while the book can be enjoyed without it, listening to the nostalgic and somewhat bittersweet music does elicit an emotional response. While a fine choice for independent reading, this title is particularly poignant when shared with a group, turning the pages in conjunction with the CD. An author's note provides background about Pinkney's inspirations and research. This offering makes an excellent tie-in to units on African-American history.--Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
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--This text refers to the
Hardcover
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Gr. 2-5. The references in the title Billie Holiday song have been interpreted in different ways. Here, Pinkney gives the words strength and a sense of possibility as one black family takes part in the great migration, moving from the cotton fields of the South to bustling Chicago. "Them that's got shall get, / Them that's not shall lose . . . " begins the song, and the opening spread shows a family that doesn't have much in the way of material goods. Yet the following pictures show joy in togetherness, even as grown-ups and children alike spend hours in backbreaking work. Then, in something of an abrupt transition, the family is packed and ready to move north. The next two spreads are brilliantly conceived. In the first, the old wooden house stands empty, just a rusty red wagon and a rubber tire swinging from a tree to show children once lived there. Turn the page to find Chicago--the El riding the tracks, skirting a city that is all buildings and busy people. Life is still difficult for the family, but hope for the future is evident in the last picture: a boy in school. In a note, Pinkney discusses the migration, the music, and the dreams of education. An accompanying CD brings words, music, and art together.
Ilene CooperCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
