Customer Reviews

Paul Robeson: A Voice to Remember (Great African Americans)

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I reviewed this book as part of a Children's Literature assignment for my master's degree in Library Science:

This book is part of the "Great African Americans" series. It is a fine example of many of the problems with children's biography. The writing is so simplified that it just sounds silly, and talks down to children. It portrays Paul as the victim that fought back, without any shortcomings on his part. It brings up difficult topics without any explanation. For example, it mentions communism, and that Paul had trouble getting jobs because he was friendly with communists. The glossary definition of communists? "Those who believe in the form of government that was practiced in the Soviet Union until recently." (p.30) That said, there is some use for this book. The facts they choose to include are easily accessible, thanks to a thorough index. However, there is no suggestion as to sources of any of these facts. There are photographs and sketches sprinkled liberally throughout, which lets the reader see and imagine Paul Robeson. Kids will love the book because it gets the boring biography assignment and the boring Black History Month assignment out of the way with one small, utilitarian book which fits neatly in a backpack. Aimed at kids in grades K-2.

Paul Robeson, the son of a slave who became a preacher in Princeton, New Jersey, sang his way into the hearts of Americans in "Showboat." No one else could ever sing that son with such power and spirit. After his success with "Old Man River," he became a Shakespearean actor in England, first starring role was Othello. England had slaves before America did, witness the movie, "Amazing Grace." I think they sent most of theirs to New England because of the disgrace. Many empires had slaves, even mMoses was one in "The Ten Commandments." A certain scholar would disagree (see "White Gold" review), but it was a Biblical fact. Paul was born in 1898 as a fifth child and his mother died tragically when he was only six years of age. Mine left me to cope for myself when I was seven. We both loved music and could sing, but there the similarities end. He had opportunities in the Northeast to become someone of importance.

Paul Robeson received the best education where he became a scholar and pro football player. But it was his big, booming singing voice which brought him fame and fortune. He'd grown up in his father's church singing spirituals, songs which took existence in slavery, not as hymns but as messages about the underground railroad in America. While acting and singing in England, he showed what America could produce with his varied talents and abilities. He became his people's hero before he died in 1976 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the government of this country was formed. He had a successful career and life due to his talent and knowledge. He never gave up, and brought glory and fame to those who gave him life and supported him along the way. The authors, McKissacks, have conections in Knoxville and Pulaski, Tennesse, but live in St. Louis. In high school, I was assigned Marion Anderson to write about for an essay in music class. She was perhaps a greater singer than Paul as she sang in Washington, D. C. for politicos. He, however, became a star in England and his memorable song in "Showboat" keeps his image alive for generations.