Gr 5 Up-The song "We Shall Overcome" immediately evokes a multitude of images and thoughts that include struggle, faith, pain, and hope, among others. This thoughtful and informative book examines the reasons why it has had such an impact by delving into its origins, lyrics, and transformation throughout history. The remarkable path of the song is traced from its beginnings as a moving spiritual in 1863, to the unifying force behind the labor movement in 1909, as the anthem of the Civil Rights Movement, and, finally, to worldwide usage in such faraway places as North Korea and Beirut. With its compelling historical evidence, poignant individual stories, clear writing, and accompanying black-and-white photographs and reproductions and graphics done in red, white, and black, this book will be a wonderful addition to any collection. The lyrics and melody of the song and a CD of Pete Seeger's version of it are included. Margaret Auguste, Franklin Middle School, Somerset, NJ

Pete Seeger tells readers in the foreword that "the power of singing together shows us that change is possible," and no other song is as identified with movements for social change as "We Shall Overcome." Evolving from slave songs, spirituals and hymns, it was a song of labor protest in union halls in the 1930s, an anthem of the civil-rights movement, a rallying song during the Vietnam War and now a song adopted by protest movements around the world. <p>Pete Seeger tells readers in the foreword that "the power of singing together shows us that change is possible," and no other song is as identified with movements for social change as "We Shall Overcome." Evolving from slave songs, spirituals and hymns, it was a song of labor protest in union halls in the 1930s, an anthem of the civil-rights movement, a rallying song during the Vietnam War and now a song adopted by protest movements around the world. Stotts's enthusiasm for his subject is palpable in this clear and accessible volume rooted in extensive research. The useful bibliography includes recordings, films, websites and a selection of titles for young readers. Well-chosen photographs with informative captions, engravings, drawings and lyrics support the text, as do Cummings's full-page illustrations, which visualize the theme of each chapter. A fitting celebration of a song that has helped to create a better world. Includes a CD of Seeger singing "We Shall Overcome." (source notes) <i>(Nonfiction. 8-12)</p>

"We Shall Overcome" is best known as the anthem of the civil rights movement, but what are the song's origins, and how did it come to be such a powerful piece, both in its own right and as a musical metaphor? Stotts traces the song's roots and evolution, beginning with a violent scene endured by a group of Freedom Riders. The blacks and whites attempting to integrate a bus terminal were about to be stormed by a vicious mob, yet they grasped hands and sang "We Shall Overcome." From this drama, the story moves back in time to explore various types of music, including slave songs and church hymns, that may have been this tune's basis. The song as we know it was shaped at the Highlander Folk School, whose workshop attendees included Rosa Parks. Ways in which the song has been adapted by other groups is also well chronicled. This smart, effective telling has few missteps. From the informative black-and-white photographs to the solid back matter to the CD sung by Pete Seeger, it is a complete package.

This book on the subject of the storied anthem “We Shall Overcome” traces its African and Christian influences through its evolution as a '60s-era protest song. Photographs and bold clip art–style illustrations capture the turmoil of the civil rights movement, with particular focus on the music that helped inspire and unite its proponents: Martin Luther King Jr., the Freedom Singers, and Joan Baez, among others. Bringing the song's significance to a poignant full circle, a 2007 photograph features then Senator Obama joining others in Alabama, to commemorate the Selma to Montgomery march. A thoughtful examination of a song that, as Stotts writes, “seems to tap into our deepest emotions.” Ages 8–12. <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">(Jan.)