Common Sense Media Review
By Diondra K. Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Powerful anthem and bold art tell story of Black activism.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
WE SHALL OVERCOME follows the main character, an African American girl in a yellow dress, as she takes readers on a journey visiting important sites from the past and the present. The text of the book recites the iconic song "We Shall Overcome," which was once sung by enslaved people and became a staple of the American civil rights movement. The main character walks confidently and curiously as she visits landmarks such as the 16th Street Baptist Church, Little Rock Central High School, and the Black Lives Matter mural. Along her path of discovery, other children join her, and together they create a beautiful mural that promotes peace and equity.
Is It Any Good?
A stunning retelling of important African American stories from the past and present is a great introduction for young readers. We Shall Overcome brings the lyrics of a well-known spiritual song to life in an innovative way for the next generation of change makers. The book will leave readers feeling inspired by the progress we've made, and perhaps a mix of frustration and hope about how far we have left to go on the road to justice and equality. In the illustrator's note, Bryan Collier shares, "the battle continues in a quest for justice and equality, and my hope is in the end, may we find Peace."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how We Shall Overcome features illustrations of several important landmarks and replicas from the civil rights movement and the Black Lives Matter movement. Can you find one landmark or replica from each movement?
"We Shall Overcome" is a song that dates back to 1900, and has always represented the strength, struggles, and hope of African Americans. Do you know any other songs that are used as anthems for freedom? If not, try to learn one.
Author and illustrator Bryan Collier uses colors next to black-and-white images throughout the book. What do the colors represent?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Bryan Collier
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism , Friendship , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Orchard Books
- Publication date : December 28, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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