A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual
Starred review from October 3, 2022
Beginning with images of chattel slavery and ending with spreads showing Black luminaries, the creators offer an absorbing rendition of the legendary spiritual: a legacy in song and portraiture that depicts Black Americans’ achievements across an anti-Black history. In Boston Weatherford’s four-line verses, those “standing in the need of prayer” describes “families enslaved and sold apart,” then “millions on the move in the Great Migration,” members of the civil rights movement, and “record-breaking athletes,” leading to a contemporary image of children: “It’s me, O Lord.” Morrison’s imagery brings Black history to life, portraying hundreds of years of experiences to the rhythm of a song that moves beyond the religious and into the broadly reverential. Weatherford and Morrison successfully elevate a classic song, rendering it as relevant and profound across time. Ages 6–9.
Starred review from January 1, 2023
Gr 1-4-Weatherford's latest deserves to be appreciated in every medium: the ideal experience combines both the print title (and Frank Morrison's spectacularly vivid art) with Weatherford's own unforgettable recitation. "Created by and for enslaved people not allowed to read or write, many spirituals are in call-and-response style," her author's note explains. "When so moved, singers improvise, adapting the existing lyrics or adding new ones. The text of this book was created in that same spirit, integrating historical and contemporary events that summoned courage and faith." Weatherford brilliantly adapts the original lyrics to highlight 400 years of key moments of Black resilience, rebellion, and accomplishment-enslaved ancestors, Nat Turner, the Tuskegee Airmen, Ruby Bridges, Black Lives Matter-which she reads with resounding solemnity. Detailed references provide further illumination on her subjects. And then-Weatherford wondrously sings her radiant achievement. VERDICT Resonating enchantment awaits.
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