Let It Shine

Review

Common Sense Media says

Color-burst pictures illuminate gospel songs.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the text of this 2008 Coretta Scott King Award winner is Christian spirituals.

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What's the story?

Three African-American spirituals are lovingly illustrated.

Is it any good?

 

It's no wonder that this sumptuous book won the Coretta Scott King Award. The gorgeous, colorful illustrations in this picture book swerve, melt, and celebrate the spiritual message in the three gospel songs shared here. They exemplify the hope and encouragement messaged in traditional African-American spirituals.

The text itself is lifted directly from songs that most kids will find familiar, having become part of our American lexicon regardless of religious faith or practice. Whether families are exploring this book because of their own Christian beliefs or looking at it as an important aspect of American history and culture, the book has much to offer.

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What families can talk about

Families can sing the songs together (sheet music is included in the back) and also explore the importance of spirituals in African-American history.

This review was written by Dawn Friedman

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This review was written by Dawn Friedman
Author:Ashley Bryan
Illustrator:Ashley Bryan
Book type:Fiction
Genre:Picture Book
Publisher:Simon & Schuster
Publication date:January 9, 2007
Number of pages:48
Hardcover price:$16.99
Publisher's recommended age(s):4 - 7
Read aloud:4
Read alone:8
This review was written by Dawn Friedman
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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