And thanks to Candlewick Press for the pleasure of reading and now sharing Rhiannon Giddens' new book, We Could Fly, a companion to Build A House. You can find that review here. Scroll to the bottom of the post for it. That book is a song that Rhiannon wrote to honor the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth.
And are you familiar with this book, a collection of American Black Folktales told by Virginia Hamilton, published in 2000? I read them aloud to my students, among other stories from other cultures and then their own stories were written, shared, and illustrated. It became a special unit of discovery.
Now, Rhiannon says in her author's note that she grew up listening to these tales, especially loved the final "magical" one where 'People Could Fly'. When working with a producer to finish her album, "Freedom Highway", they thought they needed one more song. Rhiannon shared about that favorite story and a song was born!
 |
| Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy! |
A mother's child tells her she feels a tingling in her arms and her mother says that her mother, Granny Liza, felt that, too, long years ago. "Perhaps it's time. . ." and this poetic story begins as shown with ethereal illustrations by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu. Here is one example of the breathtaking beauty of this book, favorite pages of mine, followed by the song, with the book's words and illustrations on YouTube. The words in the book differ only slightly.
Poetry telling stories makes me want more! Do you have a story you'd like to tell?
Once there was a lovely human name Linda who taught others to fly.... that's a start! Have your read Joseph Coelho's Ten-Word Tales? It's kind of like a favorite of mine The Imaginaries...super short stories that are really jumping off places for longer works. Here's to flying! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Irene. Yes, I know Coelho's book, shared it recently. It's one I would love to have had when teaching! Happy Friday!
DeleteLinda, your post is marvelous. Introducing this story in classrooms would make a fabulous contemporary unit looking back on what should not have happened in America and what should not happen in the world today. Greed, inhumanity, and power are issues that should be dealt with. Music and brings light to a new era of kindness. Thank you for this amazing book and how you weaved this post.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Carol. I was excited to read it & then was sent a copy! It is quite lovely! There is much to fight against right now in our world, & I won't stop!
DeleteWe can count on you as a champion of rights! I just added my post.
DeleteLinda, I still have my childhood copy of THE PEOPLE COULD FLY, and I absolutely love and loved it! Now, I can't wait to look for Rhiannon's book. Thank you for sharing, and happy Poetry Friday!
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful, Sarah. I have mine, too! Thanks for coming by & enjoy this new book!
DeleteLinda, what a gorgeous post, book, and song! The illustrations and the song together are magical. I want to watch it over and over again. It creates the feeling that anything is possible if you believe in it. Thank you for sharing! (I have never read The People Could Fly, so I just requested it from the library.)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tracey, that's terrific that you can get the book at your library!
DeleteSo moving Linda, the gorgeous book and song-video, and such a gorgeous song, thanks for sharing this wrap-a-round soothing post!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle, it is a pleasure to share, & then for me to discover the connection with the early (& favorite) book!
DeleteWhat a stunning book...I must read this. Thank you for introducing it to us. I should know Virginia Hamilton more than I do. Thanks for the nudge...I'm going to go find some of her work. And, I agree...think of all the kids that learned to fly from YOU!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda, I hope you find some good stuff!
DeleteLove the song! Thanks for shining the spotlight on Rhiannon's book and song. Will have to look for it. :)
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful, Linda! Your joy comes through and enriches the source. I'll look for this book, too now.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jama & Patricia, hope you can find and enjoy it as much as I have. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteOh, I can't wait to get my hands on this book!
ReplyDeleteAnd I hope you enjoy it! Thanks, Marcie!
DeleteWhat a great story, Linda! I love hearing how one book inspired another. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt is nice, I agree. Thanks, Anastasia
DeleteLinda, I learned a lot reading your post. Thank you for sharing the goodness. Virginia Hamilton's book is a classic, and I was thrilled to see this new picture book. I was just able to read We Could Fly on my library app. The words and illustrations are lovely.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed the post, and now love the book. It's really special, isn't it? Thanks, Denise!
Delete