Standing in the Need of Prayer: A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual
Timeless hymn takes on new relevance in moving picture book.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Standing in the Need of Prayer: A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual is a moving picture book inspired by the timeless church hymn from the early 1900s. The book was written by award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford (Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre) and illustrated by award-wining artist Frank Morrison (Kick Push). The classic lyrics of "Standing in the Need of Prayer" have been given new life, presented next to moving illustrations from monumental moments in Black history. The book highlights celebration and triumphs, while not shying away from times of sadness and despair, and depicting the enslavement of African Americans. Themes include striving for equality and change, resiliency in the face of adversity, and having hope for the future.
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What's the Story?
The events of STANDING IN THE NEED OF PRAYER: A MODERN RETELLING OF THE CLASSIC SPIRITUAL begin in the early 1600s and stretch to our era. It highlights key pieces of Black history, from the enslavement of Africans, to the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision, to the Black Lives Matter Movement. The lyrics of the classic hymn set the foundation for a story about protest, celebrations, and a constant struggle for equality. At the end of the book, readers can continue to learn from the Author's Note and reference guide explaining who's featured in the story, and why.
Is It Any Good?
This picture book is a touching and emotional tribute to a timeless church hymn, and what it has meant to those who've been oppressed. Standing in the Need of Prayer: A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual is hard to read without singing or humming the tune, if you're familiar with this church classic that remains powerfully relevant. The book is likely to spark hard questions and deep reflections from young readers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the lyrics used in Standing in the Need of Prayer: A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual. Have you ever heard the song "Standing in the Need of Prayer"? What do the lyrics mean to you?
Which historical events from the book did you recognize? Which were new to you?
The story is both upsetting and hopeful. How did reading it make you feel?
Book Details
- Author: Carole Boston Weatherford
- Illustrator: Frank Morrison
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Activism, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, History, Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Courage, Perseverance
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: September 20, 2022
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: October 5, 2022
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Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre
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