A Change Is Gonna Come - by Sam Cooke (Hardcover)

About the Book

An illustrated version of the civil rights anthem by Sam Cooke.

Book Synopsis

Sam Cooke's legendary and beloved civil rights anthem is brought to life for the first time with stunning illustrations by Nikkolas Smith.

*"Potent and deeply moving." Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

*"While honestly reflecting a difficult past, this title is full of hope and the promise of a future where change will come; an essential title for all libraries." School Library Journal, Starred Review

I was born by the river in a little tent.
Oh, and just like the river, I've been a-runnin' ever since.
It's been a long, a long time coming,
but I know a change gonna come. Oh yes, it will.

The immortal lyrics of Sam Cooke's inspiring civil rights anthem are among the most powerful in music history. Written as an ode to the struggles and joy of Black Americans living under the oppression of Jim Crow, "A Change Is Gonna Come" became a rallying cry for justice and equality when it was shared in 1964. Now, more than sixty years later, the fight for freedom continues, and these sweeping lyrics remain as important and soul stirring as ever.

Alongside Sam Cooke's inspiring words, Nikkolas Smith's breathtaking art guides young readers through pivotal moments in American history. The award-winning illustrator of The 1619 Project: Born on the Water, powerfully references civil rights milestones and Black freedom fighters, empowering all of us to continue the mission of change.

Includes a QR code link to Sam Cooke's iconic recording.

Review Quotes

Acclaimed artist Smith honors Cooke's legendary song with 1960s-inspired art.
A Black child spies a camera floating on a plank in the river near the shack where he lives, and when he grows up and migrates to a city, he brings the camera with him. Paired with lyrics from Cooke's song-long considered a Civil Rights Movement anthem-scenes of urban life follow: signs proclaiming segregation, the funeral of Medgar Evers (an activist murdered in 1963 Mississippi), Lyndon Johnson signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law as Martin Luther King Jr. looks on, people gathering for the March on Washington, a re-creation of a photo depicting Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali sitting at a lunch counter, and other milestones in the fight for racial justice. The man with the camera is present at many of these moments; a touching final spread portrays a Black child looking through photographs of those very scenes. Smith's signature painting style lends energy to the pages with formidable linework, superb use of darkness and light, and strong compositions, inviting readers to linger, parse the images, and discuss what's going on. . . . a window into history, this work offers a rich opportunity to introduce the topic to young people through art, music, personalities, events, and emotions, over multiple exposures.
Potent and deeply moving.-- "Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review"

Honoring the difficult past of American history while celebrating the strength and pride of the Black experience, this title focuses on the promise of the future and the fact, as Cooke's timeless lyrics tell readers, "I know a change is going to come. Oh yes it will." The art masterfully captures the heart and hope of the fictional and historical characters throughout the book. With a nod to the photographs of Gordon Parks, Smith has captured and added layers of depth to many historical moments that, along with the accompanying back matter, will have readers poring over the illustrations and learning through looking. On one particularly moving spread the text speaks of change; one side of the illustration features a mother and her five children holding various protest signs for housing and education rights and a call back to the broken promise of "40 acres and a mule." The opposite page shows the five children wearing graduation gowns, throwing their mortarboards in the air in front of their family-owned restaurant. Their mother is in the background. This title begs for multiple readings, along with scanning the included QR code that links to a recording of Cooke's iconic rendition of this anthem.

While honestly reflecting a difficult past, this title is full of hope and the promise of a future where change will come; an essential title for all libraries. -- "School Library Journal, Starred Review"

About the Author

Sam Cooke (Author)
Sam Cooke (1931-1964) is one of the most iconic singer-songwriters in American history. His influence spanned genres, and his genius as a singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and activist, paved a new way forward for Black musicians in the recording industry. Though he had many hit songs, "A Change Is Gonna Come"
(1964) remains his most recognized and powerful work. This hopeful anthem garnered widespread adulation and continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest songs of all time. Posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and awarded the GRAMMY for lifetime achievement, Sam Cooke was a trailblazing legend whose work shaped culture and who fought for the advancement of civil rights and freedoms. His voice was a galvanizing force that helped express the joys and struggles of millions and inspired true societal change.

Nikkolas Smith (Illustrator)
Nikkolas Smith is an artivist, award-winning picture book creator, and Hollywood film illustrator. His books include the New York Times bestselling The 1619 Project: Born on the Water, The History of WE, I Am Ruby Bridges, The Artivist, That Flag, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever: The Courage to Dream, Captain America: A Hero Looks Like You, and My Hair Is Poofy & That's Okay. Known for his artistic depictions of marginalized voices, Nikkolas speaks on artivism around the world, sparking important conversations and inspiring positive change. Born in Houston, Texas, Nikkolas lives in Los Angeles, California with his family.