Starred review from November 1, 2024
Gr 2-5-In a free verse panegyric to African American music, Alexander begins with talking drums and praise songs of "the motherland." He then unfolds a rich, historical panorama of singers and song titles, instruments, landmark recordings, and musical styles, from field hollers and "Congo Square ring shouts" to Kendrick Lamar's 2022 album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers-all identified and given additional appreciation and context in an expansive section of end notes. Listen, he urges, to "the hymns/ that carried us away from home/ across a blue unknown," to the "Amazing Grace/ of the Jubilee Singers," to jazz and bebop and scat, to "the reggae/ and the rumba/ to the country/ and the folk/ to the highlife/ and the house." Palmer cranks up the visual energy with increasingly populous and sometimes kaleidoscopic images of people with various shades of brown skin: of dancers raising hands and fists, of singers belting lyrics into microphones, and of musicians on horns and guitars, drums and keyboards combining in, as the author puts it, "a symphony/ of refuge and redemption/ the sweet sound of a people/ surviving and thriving." VERDICT A "loud and proud" celebration of the roots and branches of a unique musical heritage.-John Edward Peters
Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Starred review from November 1, 2024
Preschool-Grade 2 *Starred Review* This vibrant picture book lifts up a stirring and enthusiastic ode to the magnificent tapestry of American music. Rooted in the rich musical traditions of Africa, the innovations and influences of the Black diaspora are celebrated as the foundation of iconic American genres evolving from chants, praise songs, and spirituals through blues, jazz, boogie-woogie, scat, and bebop, and later to rock, soul, funk, reggae, hip hop, and rap. Beginning each new musical exploration with the invitation to "listen," prolific, multiaward-winning Alexander seamlessly weaves names of memorable artists, song titles, and lyrics into his signature energetic poetry. Listing and expanding on each of these references, the multipage afterword is a rich resource of the context and significance of each clever citation. Rendered in acrylic on board, Palmer's illustrations burst with energy, layering vibrant colors in bold strokes and lively daubs. Each multi-layered spread weaves vignettes of figures and scenes into rich, dynamic compositions, set against swirling, patterned backgrounds. The art masterfully evokes the authentic experience of music--its beats pounding, melodies soaring, and rhythms pulsing--brilliantly bringing the visceral sensation of sound to the printed page. This exuberant tribute to the profound influence of Black culture on the ever-evolving kaleidoscope of American music is a spectacular symphony in print and an inspiration to young readers to engage with their musical heritage and to ignite their own innovations.
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Starred review from November 15, 2024
A journey through American music history as shaped by Black artists and traditions. Fittingly, given the U.S.'s long and complicated racial history, this work takes its title from the beloved hymn "Amazing Grace," written by a slave trader turned abolitionist. The book begins on the African plains: "Listen to the fireside chorus / of the motherland / to the talking drums / dancing beneath the gold sun / that beat a bold tapestry / of yesterday's stories / and tomorrow's dreams." Likewise, the author has created a beautiful tapestry, woven with song titles and musical references. With each introduction to a different genre, he implores readers to "listen." Laced with powerful imagery, alliteration, and onomatopoeia ("BUM-DUN! BUM-DUN!"), his verse begs to be sung. Taking a comprehensive approach, Alexander explores regional styles such as go-go alongside internationally known genres, including gospel, jazz, and hip-hop. Palmer's distinctive illustrations offer the perfect accompaniment. Bold colors set the mood, while his brush strokes evoke movement and convey strong emotion as he depicts everything from enslaved people joyfully dancing in New Orleans' Congo Square to fists raised high for Black power to performances by Chuck Berry, Prince, Lauryn Hill, and other musicians. Detailed backmatter defines terms and explains the significance of the music referenced. A work whose lyrical and artistic genius only becomes more apparent upon rereads.(Informational picture book. 5-10)
COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Starred review from November 11, 2024
“Listen to...” repeats Alexander and Palmer’s entrancing history of Black music. The account begins with an image of brown-skinned people dancing and drumming in “the motherland.” Page turns move the text forward in time, picturing people toiling in cotton fields (“Listen to the hymns”), singing in choir robes (“Listen to the Amazing Grace”), playing music near a railroad (“Listen to the deep blue-black moans”), and in another spectacular spread, performing (“Listen to the jazz”). Energetic text introduces doo-wop and rock, then funk and neo soul, including “the sonic innovators/ and the flamboyant inventors/ who rocked us around the clock.” Black musical greats populate dramatic, color-drenched muralistic pages, while street scenes commemorate the rise of hip-hop and rap, “the tough-times poetry of the streets talking.” And as the book winds down, music becomes the stuff of resistance, “the soundtrack of America... the sweet sound of a people/ surviving and thriving.” Extensive notes about each spread conclude. Ages 4–8.
March 1, 2025
In a reverent celebration of African American music, Alexander's lyrical free-verse text flows through different eras and genres of sound. This musical tour begins in Africa: "Listen to the fireside chorus / of the motherland / to the talking drums / dancing beneath the golden sun / that beat a bold tapestry / of yesterday's stories / and tomorrow's dreams." From there, the exploration honors the hymns and hopes of enslaved people, gospel music ("Listen to the Amazing Grace / of the Jubilee Singers / to the joyful noise / of Sunday morning gospel / and Let the Church Say /Amen. Amen. HALLELUJAH!"), the blues, jazz, soul, rock and roll, hip-hop, and rap. Palmer's vibrant double-page acrylic paintings burst with color and movement, making a rewarding connection to the music; the full-bleed images are rich with resonance and meaning. Extensive end notes provide helpful information about the musical history, artists and movements, and cultural connections alluded to in both the text and the illustrations. A stunning homage to "the soundtrack of America / a symphony / of refuge and redemption." Pauletta Brown Bracy
(Copyright 2025 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
