(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Michele Wood. This companion to I See the Rhythm traces the influence of gospel music on African Americans' lives, from slavery through civil rights to today's "holy hip-hop." The creative and vital premise is weakened by the overwhelming mix of elements on each spread: multiple fonts, overpowering visuals, notes in fine print, etc. On what should the eye and the mind focus? A CD is included.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith

(4) 4-6 Although the book's paintings and poetry provide vivid images of the music of Black America--including slave songs, blues, ragtime, gospel, different jazz genres, rap, funk, and soul--the historical information provided in the text consists almost entirely of a too brief and disconnected chronology. The book will be most effective if used with other, more informative books on the subject.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.