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Let It Shine

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 2, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 4.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Color-burst pictures illuminate gospel songs.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Spiritual message encourages good works.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.

  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Let It Shine was written by Dawn Friedman

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

Families Can Talk About

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

Book Summary

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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Publisher’s Details

Publisher: Simon & Schuster, Publication date: 1/9/2007
Number of pages: 48, Price: $16.99 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 4, Read Alone: 8

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