I’m Going to Sing is Volume Two of new editions of Spirituals by award winning children’s book author and illustrator Ashley Bryan. Bryan has lovingly updated these beloved volumes with a new introduction along with new full color cover art. Dr. Henrietta Mays Smith, recipient of the 2011 Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Practitioner Award for Lifetime Achievement, contributed a new foreword.
Readers will recognize such popular favorites as “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”, and “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Each song is accompanied by linocut illustrations that capture the strength and spirit of the music.
Author, artist and teacher Ashley Bryan has been a leading figure in children’s literature for over 50 years. In 1962, he was the first African American male to both write and illustrate a book for children. His work draws upon African American traditions and folklore, blending the rhythms of the oral tradition in his writing with a wide range of mediums in his art. His work has earned numerous honors, including the Arbuthnot Award for lifetime achievement, the Regina Medal, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award and several Coretta Scott King awards and honors. Bryan studied at Cooper Union and Columbia University, and taught art at Dartmouth College. In addition to creating books, Bryan helps build schools and libraries in Africa. He lives on Little Cranberry Island off the coast of Maine, and works in a studio filled with paintings, stained glass and handmade puppets.
Author, artist and teacher Ashley Bryan has been a leading figure in children’s literature for over 50 years. In 1962, he was the first African American male to both write and illustrate a book for children. His work draws upon African American traditions and folklore, blending the rhythms of the oral tradition in his writing with a wide range of mediums in his art. His work has earned numerous honors, including the Arbuthnot Award for lifetime achievement, the Regina Medal, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award and several Coretta Scott King awards and honors. Bryan studied at Cooper Union and Columbia University, and taught art at Dartmouth College. In addition to creating books, Bryan helps build schools and libraries in Africa. He lives on Little Cranberry Island off the coast of Maine, and works in a studio filled with paintings, stained glass and handmade puppets.
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Amy Kellman –
“It is a joy to welcome back in print Walk Together Children, Black American Spirituals and I’m Going to Sing, Black American Spirituals, Volume Two. These books of Spirituals lovingly notated and illustrated by Ashley Bryan should form the heart of any personal and library collection of books for children. They are a universal celebration of life, freedom, and joy through the Black American songs created out of slavery. The Spirituals remind us that life is hard but hope is always there, a message that children need and adults should cherish. Ashley Bryan’s strong illustrations make the message of the Spirituals strikingly visible to every eye.”
–Amy Kellman, Children’s Literature Consultant. Formerly Children and Young Adult Coordinator, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Darwin Henderson –
“Ashley Bryan’s collections of Black American Spirituals for children will ensure that another generation will become aware and familiar with these sacred and timeless songs. These books extend an opportunity for children to remake the world with peace and harmony, as these songs reach out to one’s soul and unite all humanity. Thank you, Ashley, for producing and preserving these wonderful songs, and inviting children to “get on board, little children, there’s room for many a-more.”
–Darwin Henderson, Ed.D., University of Cincinnati
Jane Botham –
“Ashley Bryan makes a unique contribution to children’s literature with both Walk Together Children, Black American Spirituals and I’m Going To Sing, Black American Spirituals, Volume Two. The genius of his artwork reflects the strength of the songs, their historical aspect and their universality. The musical presentation allows children and families immediate access to the Spirituals, whether in singing or playing the music. The books exude joy, peace, pathos and love. Hallelujah for Ashley!”
–Jane Botham, formerly Coordinator of Children’s Services, Milwaukee Public Library
Barbara Brown Lee –
“Ashley Bryan makes a unique contribution to children’s literature with both Walk Together Children, Black American Spirituals and I’m Going To Sing, Black American Spirituals, Volume Two. The genius of his artwork reflects the strength of the songs, their historical aspect and their universality. The musical presentation allows children and families immediate access to the Spirituals, whether in singing or playing the music. The books exude joy, peace, pathos and love. Hallelujah for Ashley!”
–Barbara Brown Lee, Chief Educator, Milwaukee Art Museum
Elissa Gershowitz –
“Bryan’s seminal collections of slave songs and ‘sorrow songs’ (originally published by Atheneum in 1974 and 1982, respectively) have been reissued, updated, and beautifully redesigned with a new introduction by Bryan and a foreword by Dr. Henrietta Mays Smith.”
—Elissa Gershowitz, the Horn Book
Joy Fleishhacker –
“Alazar Press presents handsome new editions of Ashley Bryan’s first two books of spirituals, long out of print. Each title presents two dozen selections, pairing striking linocut illustrations with lyrics and music.”
—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal