Grandpa Stops a War

Praise

“Paul Robeson lived in Harlem on St. Nicholas Avenue, not far from me. He was our favorite singer and had a soulful voice, like no other. Susan Robeson’s book, Grandpa Stops a War, shares a wonderful message for children about his life and his devotion to freedom and justice.” —Faith Ringgold, author of Tar Beach and We Came to America

“Deeply saturated, highly textured illustrations effectively capture the dangers Robeson encountered to try to bring peace to war-torn Spain … A story worth hearing about a cause worth fighting.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The author recalls her father telling the story of how her famous grandfather, the singer Paul Robeson (1898–1976), ‘stopped a war.’ In 1938, his singing for the soldiers on the front lines of Teruel temporarily halted the Spanish Civil War (‘The battlefield grew silent. No shots were fired’). The story’s humanity is underscored with paintings by a sure hand.” —The Horn Book

“Renowned African American singer Paul Robeson and his family lived in London during the Spanish Civil War. Disturbed by reports of homeless families in that country, he gave concerts and sent money, food, and clothing to help Spanish children. Later, he traveled to Madrid. The city was bombed that night, but he led all who were huddled in his dark hotel to sing together. He visited the front, where he sang African American spirituals and songs of freedom with such feeling that soldiers on both sides were moved. ‘While Grandpa Paul sang, there was peace.’ Susan Robeson, the singer’s granddaughter and a documentary filmmaker, retells a family story simply and effectively, and leaves it to listeners to reflect on implicit messages about war, peace, and the power of one gifted, brave, compassionate person to help others. In an appended author’s note, she fills in historical details. Brown contributes a series of strong, well-composed paintings using deep, rich colors that capture the book’s emotional undertones effectively.” —Booklist

“A touching introduction for young readers of the great singer and activist Paul Robeson, told by his granddaughter, with evocative drawings by Rod Brown and intriguing back matter for older readers.” —Elizabeth Levy, author of over 100 books for children and young adults, and former chair of PEN Children’s Book Committee with Vera B. Williams