Collier, Bryan. We Shall Overcome. Bryan Collier, Illus. Picture Book. Scholastic /Orchard, 12/2021. [40]pp. $18.99. 978-1-338-54037-6. OUTSTANDING. GRADES K-5.
The lyrics of this traditional civil rights protest song make up the text of this inspiring book, which can be used for classroom read-alouds and special library programs. The watercolor and collage artwork focuses on a young Black girl in yellow who is shown going to school, marching at a rally, and painting a mural with neighbors. On a few of the spreads, a part of the illustration features historical figures rendered in black and white shades (resembling old photos), depicting Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Little Rock Nine. There is an illustrator’s note at the end describing the historical references in the illustrations.
Penny Peck, San Jose State Univ, iSch