We Shall Overcome

by Bryan Collier (Illustrator)

A celebration of the gospel anthem and Civil Rights protest song "We Shall Overcome", masterfully brought to life by Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner Bryan Collier.
"We Shall Overcome" is one of the most recognizable anthems of the Civil Rights movement, widely performed at protests and rallies to promote nonviolent civil rights activism. Now, these inspirational, empowering, legendary lyrics are brought to life with the stirring, evocative, and breathtaking illustrations from multi-award winning talent Bryan Collier. Powerfully imagined for the present moment, Collier's illustrations meld the most emblematic moments of the twentieth century Civil Rights movement with the present day, depicting the movements, protests, and demonstrations-big and small-as the fight for justice continues. With illustrations full of depth, tenderness, and expression, and offering historical context while remaining powerfully relevant to the present-day, this impactful picture book is a must-have for every home, classroom, and bookshelf.

Genres: Picture Books, History, Music, Social Justice, Childrens, African American, Nonfiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published December 28, 2021

About the author

Bryan Collier grew up in Pocomoke City, Maryland where he began painting at the age of 15. He has won numerous awards including the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration, the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award, and the Caldecott Honor. He lives in Harlem, New York.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This month I am trying to focus on Black History - I still have so much to learn! This is a wonderful book that follows a young African American girl as she discovers the past, present and future of how so many people have fought hard to overcome oppression - wonderful book with beautiful illustrations.

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's by four-time Caldecott Honor recipient Bryan Collier, there is nothing more I need to say or add. I have been a fan of his since Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. If you work with books, the hardest decision you will have with this book is whether to shelve it with your books about civil rights or your song books.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Shall Overcome

The text is the Civil Rights version of the song popularized by Pete Seeger. It's the illustrations that make this book a real standout. The illustrator juxtaposes the past and present on the same page. The people of the Civil Rights era are shown in black and white while the people of today are in full color. When their words are the same, the pictures blend color and black and white. The people of the past show us that they fought to make it possible for the young Black girl in the illustrations to walk to the bus stop safely with all kids and go to school with White kids and any other kids in the neighborhood. The fight isn't over and moves towards the Black Lives Matter movement. The little girl represents hope and promise of a better tomorrow.

An author's note shares the history of the song (I actually learned that it was an old folk song only recently) and how it became a Civil Rights anthem and continues to be sung in multiple languages across the globe where people are struggling and fighting for freedom.

There are also historical notes on the significance of locations and people in the background of the illustrations. Parents need note this includes the 16th St. Baptist Church in Birmingham where in 1963, members of the KKK bombed the church killing four young Black girls and injuring 14 others. The author simply states the KKK bombed the church because they didn't believe Black people deserved the same rights and privileges as White people.

The book concludes with an illustrator's note.

This book should be in every library, every school and every Black family's home and then sent to every country across the globe where this song is sung for freedom.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collier's adaptation of the song is stunning. The historical & illustration notes in the backmatter add important context.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells a well-familiar anthem and song in a way that creates a bridge from its inception and the way it was used through history, the Civil Rights movement, and as it pertains to today. The images in black and white indicate the past, and then the full color shows a little kid walking through history like a timeline that's making connections throughout time. The imageries are major landmarks and historical places in history.

This book is unbelievably beautiful. The illustrations are just breathtaking. This book is a catalyst for young folk to talk about the history, talk about these images that you see and where they came from, and create a wonderful conversation for all of us (black and white) to discuss.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/bry...

[Maggi Rohde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is going to become the definitive edition of this song for sharing with young children. Collier's illustrations evoke questions without detracting from the focus on the text.

[Roben · Rating 5 out of 5]

The artwork is stunning! An important book to add to any collection.

Thank you to Scholastic for the ARC!

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really well-done - the art reminds me of books from when I was younger, and I really liked that the (seemingly at first standard) backgrounds were actually references to Black history.

[Deborah]

Narrated by the song, illustrations powerfully juxtapose a contemporary girl & scenes with history. Backmatter tells the history of the song and more about the art's content, with a note from Bryan Collier about his inspiration for the book and hopes for the future.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young girl is at the center of the illustrations in this picture book that uses the words of the classic civil rights anthem, "We Shall Overcome" as a backdrop and allows the illustrator to interpret those words. As she heads out to join a protest movement and paint her feelings, she passes by various landmarks that mark the long road to justice trod by many Black men and women in the past and the struggle that continues in the present. For readers who missed the significance of various individuals and structures included in the images, the back matter offers details about the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, the bus on which Rosa Parks rode, Little Rock Central High School, the Black Lives Matter mural. Each page is a revelation with illustrations created with watercolor and collage and brimming with hope and the expectation that change is coming as well as the acknowledgement of how far we have come. This picture book needs to be read multiple times to appreciate its artistry. My favorite image is a double-page spread showing protesters in black and white marching down the street while the young girl, surrounded by a vivid collage that makes up the wings of an angel or a butterfly, holds a petal with a peace symbol while beneath her readers can see the word "Someday."

[Beth Honeycutt]

Beautiful illustrations!

[Darrell Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful art! Simple Text! Wonderful section at the end of the book discussing the historical relevance of some of scenes depicted in the artwork.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Bryan Collier needed for inspiration were the words to"We Shall Overcome" the gospel song that later became the protest song for Civil Rights. Here is his priceless book to share on the special day that is our celebration of Martin Luther King's birthday every third Monday in January. His real birthday is January 15th. The young girl in the yellow dress moves along through a day as Collier's breathtaking illustrations take her through the past and present movements, protests, and demonstrations of the twentieth century. There is the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama that was bombed and four young girls were killed; the bus where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, Rosa Parks, too; Little Rock Central High School, where people tried to block nine black students from entering, and there is the Black Lives Matter mural on the street in D.C. The young girl takes a part in working for peace through all the story. There is more to see and remember, with more explained in the back if needed. It is really a beautiful book, one to read in every classroom, every home.

[Hilario Castillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a children's picture book that tells the story of the famous Civil Rights anthem "We Shall Overcome." The book traces the origins of the song back to its roots in African American spirituals and hymns and follows its journey through the Civil Rights Movement, where it became a rallying cry for protesters fighting for equality and justice. Along the way, the book introduces readers to key figures in the movement and highlights the power of music as a tool for social change. The book features Collier's signature mixed media illustrations, which incorporate photographs, paint, and collage elements to create a vibrant and dynamic visual narrative.
One literary device used in "We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song" is imagery. Throughout the book, the author uses vivid and descriptive language to create powerful mental images in the reader's mind. For example, when describing the impact of the song on the Civil Rights Movement, the author writes, "The song filled the streets with hope and determination, as people marched and sang, their voices rising like a tide." This use of imagery helps to convey the emotion and significance of the song in a memorable and impactful way.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another moving reading experience from author/illustrator Bryan Collier...

The text of the gospel anthem/civil rights protest song is visually told as a young girl goes to school against a backdrop of milestones of the 1960's civil rights movement and today's Black Lives Matter.

Collier again nails it. His beautiful collage/paintings are colorful, well-balanced, and emotionally packed. This young girl knows who she is and is proud of it. She knows that she walks in the footsteps of others who have fought bravely for equal rights and that she will do her part to make this happen.

Backmatter includes a brief history of the song and the historical monuments depicted in B&W in the story: the 16th Street Baptist Church, the parks Rosa Parks rode on, Little Rock High School, and the Black Lives Matter mural.

This will be an excellent title to open tough conversations about racism with younger children. The struggle continues...

Highly Recommended for K-6.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that features past and present-day people who are fighting for equality and justice. The author uses the words from a popular song used in the Civil Rights era to give hope and inspire readers. His message is that we should examine the past, and connect it to the present in order to better understand the future. The illustrations are outstanding. Featured on several pages are iconic structures or art connected with different events, such as Rosa Parks on the bus. There is additional information at the end readers should not overlook. I always love to see what the writer/illustrators base their writing on - ideas, personal experience, etc. Highly recommended for 4th-5th graders. Teachers could use this one to spark discussion or begin a unit on the Civil Rights era. Highly recommended for Grades 4-5.

[LaVonne Hanlon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gr. K-3. Readers everywhere will love how author Bryan Collier has added watercolor illustrations to the words of the familiar hymn and civil rights anthem to create a modern classic. Including historical monuments and events like Atlanta's 16th Street Baptist Church, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and Little Rock Central High School, as well as a Black Lives Matter mural, Collier shows how the past continues to influence the present in the quest for peace and equality. Check out Scholastic's interview with Collier at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCOUg... or find teaching ideas from "The Classroom Bookshelf" at https://theclassroombookshelf.com/202...

[Vanity La’Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5 Stars

Every time we go to the library, my daughter is required to pick a book by a POC and I love when she chooses because she doesn’t miss. This one? Beautiful.

What I loved:

- A beautiful song.
- A beautiful book.
- It’s informative, powerful, and pays homage to those who made sacrifices.
- It honors the ones who fought and did overcome, while painting in the faces and stories we must never forget to spotlight.
-The artwork? Every color mixed with grey had a reasoning.
-It was like reading multiple stories at once.
One pass gives you the emotion, but once I read the history behind “We Shall Overcome,” I had to go back and reread it and I got something new each time.

A layered, soulful book that deserves more than one read!

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryan Collier, illustrator of Tami Charles' wonderful "All Because You Matter," has created another important work of art for children-adults. The song has been sung in churches and at protests since Charles A. Tindley wrote it in 1901 and now Collier uses it to give a retrospective look at where our country was and now is when considering racial equity and equality. The book's tone is both thoughtful and hopeful and the art is gripping. Historical places and events pictured atop the song's words are given further attention in the book's backmatter. Excellent choice for all, regardless of age, race, religion or any other label used for people.

[SavageQueen32 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover of the book is exceptional. I'm a big fan of the anthem we shall over come. Its very sad if you understand the deep emotional words behind the song. This book is indeed a work of art it display the struggle and determination that people of color endure back in the days when you were judge based on the color of your skin. I enjoy anyone to give this book a try especially those students who are studying civil rights or activist. You are indeed in for a book full of exciting stories, some happy, some sad and some you never want to remember. All in all I think its a great book in my opinion.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

7/6/2022 ~ Collier's characteristic, stunning, and detailed collage illustrations pair the lyrics of the song We Shall Overcome with a girl as she walks with friends to a Black Lives Matter rally. While the modern characters are in full color, the background characters portray historic events from the Civil Rights activism. In the back matter, Collier explains each event he chose to portray.

Partner this book with We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song by Debbie Levy for a detailed look at the evolution of this song over two centuries. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collier takes the gospel anthem turned into Civil Rights song and creates for us a hopeful look into lives today and what needs to be done tomorrow. A young girl walks to school with friends passing by historical places (done in black and white) such as the 16th Street Baptist Church, Rosa Park's bus, & Little Rock Central High School. Acknowledging the past he also brings the reader to current times with the Black Lives Matter Movement and what can still be done.
Impactful, and full of depth, it's a book that can be used in multiple ways with all children.

[Victoria Whipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collier illustrates the lyrics to the civil rights anthem in watercolor and collage. He highlights some of the key points and people in the civil rights movement while focusing on a young black girl and her friends, showing progress that has been made over the years. This is a hopeful look at the song, celebrating triumphs and showing readers that there is a path forward to peace. Collier uses black and white to show historical figures/places and vibrant color for the modern child through whom he focalizes the story.

[Alissa Tsaparikos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This touching book contains the lyrics of the song We Shall Overcome, alongside beautiful illustrations that show the past and the present intermingled. Backmatter calls attention to the black and white parts of the illustrations, explaining the parts of the past they represented. The book ties together the civil rights movement history with the present day social justice movement of Black Lives Matter. This would be an excellent book to introduce children to topics within, and would work very well for Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities.

[Great Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gorgeous book by Caldecott Honor Winner Bryan Collier is filled with iconic images: the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Little Rock Central High School, and the bus on which Rosa Parks staged her historic protest. Collier uses the words to the familiar protest song, "We Shall Overcome" and illustrations of young elementary aged students to help young readers to absorb the history of both the first civil rights movement and contemporary movements like Black Lives Matter.

Reviewer #12

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is right up there with The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander. This book takes a beautiful old hymn that was used during slavery and the Civil Rights Movement to uplift black people while working and marching. The author gives each line of the song a backdrop full of beautiful colors and black and white (showing the past vs. the present). It will give me SO much to talk about with my students as there is back matter that explains what some of the important buildings are and how they are important to our history, but also moving towards peace and unity.

[Opetoritse · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this subtly powerful expression of the classic protest anthem, Collier presents stunning spreads incorporating historic places and moments from the Civil Rights Movement. The water-color and collage artwork adds a further ghostly effect to the pairing of imagery from the 50s and 60s with a young girl's commute to a modern MLK Day celebration. Equally noteworthy is the back matter, which provides succinct background information on the song and its use throughout history.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous Bryan Collier has illustrated the lyrics of "We Shall Overcome" using his signature paint and collage style. Black and brown characters are large and in the fore-front with black history happening in sepia tones in collage in the background. Old meets new with modern children watching, and sometimes interacting, with the heroes of the Civil Rights movement. Historical moments are highlighted in back matter.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a girl goes about her daily life going to school with her friends and classmates, she also sees historic Civil Rights moments. We have made progress, but we still have a lot of work and change left to do. With references to 16th Street Baptist Church, Rosa Parks, the Little Rock Nine, and the Black Lives Matter protests. What a great tribute to the song. Collier's use of black and white contrasted with color make it so powerful.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryan Collier sets the lyrics of “We Shall Overcome,” a gospel anthem that continues to serve as a rallying cry for justice and equality, in a banner along the bottom of his stunning illustrations which depict parallel stories of the activities of a contemporary young Black girl and key events of the civil rights movement. Back matter includes note on “We Shall Overcome,” historical moments of civil rights activism in America, and an illustrator’s note. (PreK Up)