Today is Martin Luther King’s actual birthday. The celebrations that will take place on the national holiday are sure to include various renditions of the song that has become associated with the Civil Rights Movement, “We Shall Overcome.”

We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song (Jump at the Sun/Hyperion), a recent book written by Debbie Levy distills the history of the song as well as placing it in a contemporary context: “We still sing. We sing to declare that … we are all … deserving of respect, sharing … the same future together.” Colorful illustrations by Vanessa Brantley-Newton enhance the book’s appeal and its up-to-date appearance.

What’s old is new — as the song and its presentation for younger children demonstrate.

About the Author

Maria Salvadore is Reading Rockets’ consultant for children’s literature and literacy. Maria curates our themed booklists and writes the blog, Page by Page, which explores the best ways to use kids’ books both inside and outside of the classroom. She leads parent workshops for Ready To Learn (RTL) at WETA Public Broadcasting in Washington, D.C. She has also taught children’s literature at the University of Maryland, reviewed books for School Library Journal, and has served on various book award committees, including the Boston Globe/Horn Book Awards, Golden Kite, and the Caldecott Committee.

Publication Date
January 15, 2014
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