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Let It Shine (by Ashley Bryan)

common sense media says

Color-burst pictures illuminate gospel songs.

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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.

Positive messages: Spiritual message encourages good works.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
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More on Let It Shine

What to talk about

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

What's the story?

What's the story?
Three African-American spirituals are lovingly illustrated.

Is it any good?

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.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Ashley Bryan
Illustrator: Ashley Bryan
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: January 9, 2007
Number of pages: 48
Hardcover price: $16.99
Read Aloud: 4
Read Alone: 8
This review was written by Dawn Friedman
 
 

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ON: Content is 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
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