Like a Bird - by Cynthia Grady (Paperback)

About the Book

Drawing on biblical imagery, slave songs both expressed the sorrow of life in bondage and offered a rallying cry for the spirit. Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator Michele Wood conveys the rich meaning behind these historic songs.

Book Synopsis

Enslaved African Americans longed for freedom, and that longing took many forms--including music. Drawing on biblical imagery, slave songs both expressed the sorrow of life in bondage and offered a rallying cry for the spirit.

Like a Bird brings together text, music, and illustrations by Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator Michele Wood to convey the rich meaning behind thirteen of these powerful songs.

Review Quotes

"An important work that gives new life to old and important songs."--Kirkus Reviews

-- (7/1/2016 12:00:00 AM)

"Beautiful illustrations and short, informative paragraphs come together. . . . While excellent for music classes, the wealth of historical context makes this a good pick for lessons on the history of U.S. slavery as well."--Booklist

-- (7/1/2016 12:00:00 AM)

"This is an excellent resource for music and art teachers as well as for social studies and U.S. history lessons."--starred, School Library Journal

-- (9/1/2016 12:00:00 AM)