From Publishers Weekly
Heavenly tunes are the soulful mainstay of two new fall publications. Crown's This Is My Song! A Collection of Gospel Music for the Family by Vy Higginsen, illus. by Brenda Joysmith, features the scores and lyrics to 30 gospel standards, realistic illustrations and extensive front matter that documents African American gospel ($25, all ages ISBN 0-517-59492-7 Sept.); Wade and Cheryl Hudson's How Sweet the Sound, with atmospheric illustrations by Floyd Cooper, showcases lyrics from gospels and songs that spotlight key periods in African American history, from "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" to James Brown's "Say it Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud" (Scholastic, $15.95, ages 3-8 ISBN 0-590-48030-8 Oct.).
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 1 Up?A collection of 30 standard gospel songs. "Amazing Grace," "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," "It Is Well with My Soul," and "What a Friend" are among the selections included, all of which are arranged by Wesley Naylor. Higginsen's introduction explains and defines the nature of gospel music and what it has meant to African Americans. Professor Thomas A. Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, Dinah Washington, James Cleveland, and Whitney Houston are just a few of the individuals included in the black-and-white "Gospel Photo Album." Touching and inspiring quotations from singers, composers, songwriters, and scholars are sprinkled throughout. The book's best feature, though, is the beautifully rendered oil-pastel illustrations. Joysmith's drawings, especially those featuring children, are particularly appealing. The author states that her intent here is "to document and preserve...the rich cultural heritage of gospel music." She has done so in this lovely book.?Robin Works Davis, Hurst Public Library, TX
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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