African American Children Literature

Note: This companion volume to the critically acclaimed Pass It On: African-American Poetry for Children stands on its own as a fascinating, beautifully crafted history of African Americans in song. The Hudsons, who are themselves authors of many beloved books for children, have selected songs that resonate with meaning, drawing them from a wide range of sources. Songs from Africa, spirituals, chants, work songs, and play songs take their place next to protest songs, gospel, jazz, blues, soul, and popular music; songs like "Follow the Drinking Gourd," "This Little Light of Mine," "Go Down, Moses," "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," and "Get on Board, Little Children" stand alongside "We Shall Not Be Moved," Billy Strayhorn's "Take the "A" Train," and James Brown's "Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud."