Lift Every Voice and Sing [Hardcover]

James Weldon Johnson (Author), Elizabeth Catlett (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1993

Written by civil rights leader and poet James Weldon Johnson in 1899, "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" is sung in schools and churches throughout America. The popular, timeless song is recognized as a testimonial to the struggle and achievements of African-American people ­ past, present, and future.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Between the sober linocuts and the devotional text, this adaptation of what was once called the Negro National Anthem fairly effuses seriousness of purpose. Lyrics from a song written by two schoolteacher brothers in 1900 in honor of Abraham Lincoln's birthday caption prints created in 1946 and '47 by the granddaughter of slaves; the emphasis here is on suffering, deliverance and gratitude to God. A picture of the victim of a hanging, for example, faces "We have come over a way that with tears has been watered / We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered." The score is provided at the end. Throughout, two-color art yields black-and-blue borders, while that blue, an almost turquoise tone, splashes through some of the linocuts. Much like "The Star-Spangled Banner," the production of this anthem is big on reverence and short on spontaneity. All ages.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 4-9. Interpreting the moving anthem "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," this picture book offers illustrations inspired by the hymn yet not bound by a literal interpretation of the words. Combining colored pencil, gouache, and watercolor, the impressionistic artwork embodies the spirit of the music and the feelings of those who sing it. A series of free-form images show black people in Africa, in slavery, in modern times, and, ultimately, timeless. These adults and children are not just free in their temporal lives, but in their spirits: there are people enduring darkness and storms, springing from the sea, and soaring through the air. By illustrating not just the words, but also the grace and strength of the music and the emotions that this song stirs in singers and listeners, Gilchrist offers artwork that goes beyond visual representation to make a personal statement, "full of faith . . . full of hope." Music and lyrics are appended on the last double-page spread, followed by the artist's note. Carolyn Phelan --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 36 pages
• Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers (February 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802782507
• ISBN-13: 978-0802782502
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,610,432 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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