Lift Every Voice and Change: A Sound Book: A Celebration of Black Leaders and the Words that Inspire Generations

by Charnaie Gordon, Aeron Cargill (Illustrator)

Overview

Powerful sound clips from twelve Black leaders amplified by bold illustrations and background facts illuminate pivotal moments of Black history in America.

With the touch of the button, hear impactful quotes spoken by inspiring Black Americans in primary source audio files. Aimed at children ages 7–12, a succinct profile of the speaker alongside an explanation of the significance of the quote and moment provide the context for each audio clip. A vibrant illustration of the speaker completes the picture.

Through the included quotes, kids gain an age-appropriate understanding of the strides made in the ongoing journey for equality, from the early days of sound recording to modern day.

Lift Every Voice and Change features the voices of:
 

• Booker T. Washington
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
• John Lewis
• Stokely Carmichael
• James Baldwin
• Stacey Abrams
• Toni Morrison
• Katherine Johnson
• Jay-Z
• Gladys Mae West
• Faith Ringgold
• Ayo Tometi

The voices chosen represent an equal number of men and women, historical and modern figures, across a variety of disciplines. Some are household names and others may very well be introduced to children for the first time! Inspire the next generation of leading voices by inviting them to listen to and learn from the Black leaders of yesterday and today.

Manufacturer’s note: Please pull the white tab out of the back of the book before use. Sound buttons require a firm push in the exact location to work, which may be hard for young children. Sound clips range in length, but are an average of 12 seconds long.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780760374597
Publisher:	Epic Ink
Publication date:	01/10/2023
Series:	Original Series
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	509,947
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	7 - 12 Years

About the Author

Charnaie Gordon is a Diversity and Inclusion Expert, author of A Kids Book About Diversity, blogger, podcast host, and digital creator. She also serves as a member of the National Advisory Board for Reading is Fundamental for their Race, Equity and Inclusion (REI) initiative. More than anything else, she cares about connecting people with great books they’ll love. In her world, books are an absolute necessity. Charnaie is passionate about instilling a love of reading, lifelong learning and curiosity in her kids. She hopes to inspire others to do the same with their children. Find her online at hereweeread.com and @hereweeread on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Aeron Cargill is a Jamaican American illustrator who has worked on several children's books and textbooks. His art style is a playful blend of whimsical realism with a touch of nostalgia. Aeron loves history and also works as a fine artist and art director. He lives and works in Florida. Visit him at aeroncargill.com.

Editorial Reviews

03/06/2023

In an interactive picture book that features brief audio clips, the creators honor public Black American individuals who have used their voices to, per an opening note, “help challenge thoughts and ideas or speak out against unfairness and injustices.” Dedicating a spread each to 12 prominent figures, including Stacey Abrams, James Baldwin, Stokely Carmichael, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, John Lewis, Toni Morrison, and Ayo Tometi, Gordon supplies a cursory biography of each, alongside a quote—also provided via audio—and an interactive callout box that ends with a question (“How can you be like John Lewis to help inspire your country or community?”). Realistic full-color portraits by Cargill seem to capture each figure mid-action: Baldwin gestures over a cup of coffee, Lewis stands in front of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, Morrison pauses over an open notebook. It’s a straightforward biographical packaging that challenges readers to hone their own voices. Back matter includes a glossary and further reading suggestions. Ages 7–12. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly

Listen up world! This book has something to say! I absolutely love the beautifully illustrated portraits and well detailed biographies of Black leaders. Being able to hear the voices of figures from Black History was treat and really brought them to life. Many times, students only read about history but being able to hear their voices made it more personal and more in-depth. This book is a triple threat! I highly recommend this book for everyone.”—Cicely Lewis, Read Woke, Inc., 2020 National School Librarian of the Year

...a straightforward biographical packaging that challenges readers to hone their own voices.—Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

01/01/2023

Gr 3–7—In the spirit of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," this inspiring book features famous quotations by 12 Black leaders. Readers will recognize historical figures, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Booker T. Washington, alongside more contemporary icons, such as Stacey Abrams and Jay-Z. Each profile is a spread with a vibrant color illustration of the subject on one side facing a page featuring a well-known quote and a brief bio. A sidebar asks readers a question or encourages reflection pertinent to the actions of the leader. Each selection is accompanied by a button readers can push to hear an audio recording of the subject's own voice giving the speech in which the quotation was first spoken. These profiles ensure that the voices of yesterday's Black leaders will still resonate and inspire today's young people. Cargill's creative illustrations of the featured leaders, as well as his vivid borders and endpaper drawings, are quite dazzling. VERDICT An inspiring and lovely gift book in celebration of Black Lives Matter that shows how our country has been shaped by the diversity of its people. Due to the recorded material and need for batteries, it may have to be closely monitored in a library setting.—Carol Connor

School Library Journal