Module Three- Let it Shine, Ashley Bryan

Bryan, Ashley. Let it Shine. New York: Atheneum, 2007.

Summary
In this book, three traditional African-American spirituals, This Little Light of Mine, Oh, When the Saints Go Marching In, and He's Got the Whole World in His Hands are set to bright, bold illustrations. At the end of the book, Bryan explains that these songs are sung freely today but originated by black slaves in antebellum America. Back then, it was a crime to teach a slave to read and write so slaves' used song to express their hopes, sorrows, and joys.



Impressions
This is a fun and exciting book! Children will love the big, colorful illustrations. I think this books is especially interesting if you are already familiar with the songs. The illustrations match them perfectly and I'm sure children would love being sung to while flipping through this book.


I think it is well deserving of the Coretta Scott King award because the illustrations are outstanding in blending multicultural themes into these famous spirituals.



Reviews

Kirkus Reviews, 12/15/2006, Vol. 74 Issue 24, p1265. Accessed September 11, 2010, from Academic Search Premier database.
"An extra-large trim size, a vibrant palette and Bryan's glorious cut-paper collage illustrations add up to a marvelous interpretation of three traditional African-American spirituals: "This Little Light of Mine," "Oh, When the Saints Go Marching In" and "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." Intriguing endpapers show larger-than-life hands set against flowing stripes of color, with scissors and cut-paper shapes hinting at the arresting artistic style within. Children in silhouette are the main design element for the first two songs, with the final song illustrated with remarkable images of huge hands holding up different elements of the world. The volume's large size and brilliant colors make this a natural choice for a rousing sing-along with a group, and the musical notation for the songs is included. Incorporated into these final spreads with the music are concluding illustrations for every song, each focusing on a shining source of light."

Piehl, Kathy. School Library Journal, Jan2007, Vol. 53 Issue 1, p113. Accessed September 11, 2010, from Academic Search Premier database.
"PreSchool-Grade 5- Bryan's vibrant illustrations interpret and energize three beloved songs...Energy and movement course through many of the full-bleed illustrations. At other times, the images offer comfort and security. Simply melody lines and an explanation of the origin and importance of spirituals are appended. Yet, Bryan's illustrations demonstrate more than words the dynamic inspiration that these songs still provide. Readers will find themselves humming as they turn the pages."



Suggestions for Library Use
This book would be excellent for teaching colors and shapes to small children. Older children could be taught about spirituals or folk songs and even be encouraged to write their own spiritual about their own feelings. This book would be a great addition to a Black History month display.