The President Sang Amazing Grace

August 19, 2019
Following the 2015 shooting that killed nine African-American people at a Charleston, S.C. prayer service, President Obama read a eulogy before leading those gathered in song. When Mulford, a singer-songwriter, heard the president sing “Amazing Grace,” she wrote a song about the shooting and aftermath that was recorded by folk artist Joan Baez and animated by Jeff Scher. Adapted into a picture book, Mulford’s sensitive lyrics (“But no words could say/ what must be said/ for all the living/ and the dead”) accompany Scher’s wash renderings. Though the paintings’ lack of detail may in picture book form lessen their emotional impact for some, the title may well serve as a conversation starter, perhaps alongside the moving video, in discussions with children about tragic events. Back matter includes factual information about the massacre and biographies of the Emanuel Nine. Ages 5–7.

August 23, 2019

Gr 2-4-On June 17th, 2015, a young white man entered the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church and took the lives of nine individuals. In a moment that would later define his presidency, President Obama used a familiar song to remind the nation about the importance of "Amazing Grace." Originally written as a song, this book provides an illustrated introduction to the president's response in a time of trial. Although the purpose of the book is to highlight how one can respond with grace instead of hate, readers may have more questions than answers at the book's completion. The events of June 17th are glossed over and given very little definition. Back matter includes a profile of each of the Emanuel Nine, but no source material or additional resources are provided. The lack of information is lifted somewhat by the strength of the illustrations. The watercolor and pastel images show deep emotion through the use of rich color and carefully designed scenes. VERDICT An additional purchase only. This well-illustrated ode will need additional sources for its message to hit home.-Louie Lauer, Jefferson Elementary School, Fargo, ND

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 15, 2019
Mulford's song about the tragic church shooting in Charleston in 2015 is transformed into a picture book. The rhyming lyrics are simple, describing how a stranger came to a house of worship and was "let...in," though "he was not friend, he was not kin." The stranger "seemed to pray" but then he "drew a gun / and killed nine people, old and young." On this spread, white text contrasts with an all-black painted background. President Barack Obama's appearance with the community of mourners is then pictured with the chorus: "no words could say what must be said / for all the living and the dead // So on that day and in that place / the president sang Amazing Grace." The painted pictures, with tones of blue, black, and purple, move from the church to a montage of clasped hands, a crowd of mourners, various pictures of Obama, and a spread showing each of the nine victims. The song can be found online, and its performance is deeply moving; in the video, the lyrics and paintings are a stunning combination, making this book seem like a great idea. Without the music though, the book lacks the soulfulness of the video, and the unfinished look of the static paintings is not nearly so effective. Endnotes describe each contributor's relationship to the work (including performer Joan Baez and filmmaker Rick Litvin) and contain a QR code to access the video; endpapers provide sheet music. Best read in addition to watching the video, this piece represents an important moment in U.S. history. (Picture book. 5-7)

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