Mahalia Jackson: Walking with Kings and Queens
Common Sense Media Review
By Kyle Jackson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gorgeous, uplifting picture-book bio of the Queen of Gospel.
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Why Age 4+?
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What's the Story?
MAHALIA JACKSON: WALKING WITH KINGS AND QUEENS recounts the life and career of germinal gospel music superstar Mahalia Jackson, who arose from humble origins in New Orleans to become the widely recognized "Queen of Gospel." After her mother dies, she's sent to live with her strict aunt in Chicago, who tells her, "Don't worry. One day you'll walk with kings and queens." Mahalia endures her adolescence by constantly singing in churches and everywhere else, and at 16 she goes to live with another aunt in Chicago. Blessed with an exceptional voice and a staunch belief in her Christian values, Mahalia breaks barriers by becoming a star performing spiritual music. Her career takes her all the way to Carnegie Hall and the famous 1963 March on Washington, where she sings before Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech, etching her place in American history.
Is It Any Good?
John Holyfield's warm and emotive acrylic paintings effectively pair with Nina Nolan's simple but elegant narration to tell a heartwarming story in a dynamic way. Mahalia's greatest legacy is, of course, her music, which sounds as raw and powerful today as it did a half century ago, when she helped establish a tradition of gospel music that continues to thrive to this day, providing the soundtrack to countless camp meetings and congregations.
This book is a wonderful portrayal of a musical icon and a great way to introduce kids to American roots music. Includes a chronology and online and library resources.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the historical development of American folk and blues, from field hollers and European ballads to spirituals and gospel to jazz, rock, and blues. How have African-Americans shaped the course of music history?
Mahalia Jackson defied record-industry conventions by recording exclusively gospel music, despite its supposed lack of marketability. Do you think it's more important to stay true to yourself or do what's popular?
What role does music have in your life? Do you have a spiritual relationship with music?
Book Details
- Author: Nina Nolan
- Illustrator: John Holyfield
- Genre: Biography
- Topics: Great Girl Role Models , History , Music and Sing-Along
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Amistad
- Publication date: January 27, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 6 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Hardback
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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