When I Hear Spirituals

Praise

Willis Hudson movingly exalts the power of African American spirituals in a lyrics showcase that pairs existing verses with feelings they can evoke. . . Ladd’s ethereal acrylic, colored pencil, and cut paper illustrations render each characters’ heartfelt emotions.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

An exuberant and picturesque celebration of African American spirituals. . . airing beautifully with the well-chosen lyrics and Hudson’s rhythmic, affirming text, Ladd’s richly saturated mixed-media illustrations demonstrate the cultural and historical importance of these songs. . . A deeply resonant work that speaks to these songs’ historical—and present—meaning.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Hudson offers a history of spirituals’ development, from their African roots to the 2007 passage of a U.S. Congressional bill recognizing spirituals as “a national treasure.” A personal tribute to a beloved American art form.
—Booklist (starred review)

[A] beautifully crafted celebration of African American spirituals.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)

Awash in glorious color, this title celebrates the power, history, and strength that African American spirituals have had, and continue to have, to lift and support people of all ages. . . No matter the level of reader familiarity with spirituals, this title brims with lyricism and soul-lifting strength through its emotional illustrations and compelling text.
—School Library Journal (starred review)

Hudson introduces young readers to the African American spiritual through descriptions of a young girl’s emotions and associations accompanied by relevant spiritual verses. . . Hudson’s illuminating text and Ladd’s expressive double-page spreads rendered in acrylic, colored pencil, and cut paper capture each aspect of the spirituals devoutly and respectfully.
—The Horn Book (starred review)