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Standing in the Need of Prayer

A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual

Illustrated by Frank Morrison
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Hardcover
$18.99 US
9.31"W x 12.38"H x 0.46"D   | 17 oz | 24 per carton
On sale Sep 20, 2022 | 32 Pages | 978-0-593-30634-5
Age 6-9 years | Grades 1-4
Reading Level: Lexile 430L | Fountas & Pinnell W
CORETTA SCOTT KING ILLUSTRATOR AWARD WINNER! A stunning and deeply moving picture book based on the popular spiritual from an award-winning author and critically acclaimed illustrator. The classic lyrics have been reworked to chronicle the milestones, struggles, tragedies, and triumphs of African American history. A perfect gift or timeless keepsake!

★ "Gorgeous and enlightening."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
 
This inspirational book encapsulates African American history and invites conversations at all levels. Stretching more than four hundred years, this book features pivotal moments in history, such as the arrival of enslaved people in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619; Nat Turner's rebellion; the integration of the US military; the Selma to Montgomery marches; and peaceful present-day protests. It also celebrates the feats of African American musicians and athletes, such as Duke Ellington and Florence Griffith Joyner.
 
Visually stunning and incredibly timely, this book reckons with a painful history while serving as a testament to the human spirit's ability to persevere in even the most hopeless of circumstances. Its universal message of faith, strength, and resilience will resonate with readers of all ages.

Carole Boston Weatherford’s riveting text and Frank Morrison’s evocative and detailed paintings are informative reminders of yesterday, hopeful images for today, and aspirational dreams of tomorrow.

* The end of the book includes descriptions of the people, places, and events featured, along with a note from the author.
  • WINNER | 2023
    Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award
★ "A richly illustrated, informative picture book that will leave readers humming and spark a desire to learn more." —The Horn Book, starred review

"Gorgeous and enlightening, nourishing both mind and soul."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Truly elegant."—Booklist, starred review

★ “An evocative use of prayer as old-school protest with a history lesson that is as lilting as a ballad.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“Weatherford and Morrison successfully elevate a classic song, rendering it as relevant and profound across time.” Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A love letter to the Black community...The book is a lesson, a tribute and an inspiration that should work as both an excellent read-aloud and potential sing-along." —Shelf Awareness
Carole Boston Weatherford lives in High Point, North Carolina. View titles by Carole Boston Weatherford
Discussion Guide for Standing in the Need of Prayer

Provides questions, discussion topics, suggested reading lists, introductions and/or author Q&As, which are intended to enhance reading groups’ experiences.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

About

CORETTA SCOTT KING ILLUSTRATOR AWARD WINNER! A stunning and deeply moving picture book based on the popular spiritual from an award-winning author and critically acclaimed illustrator. The classic lyrics have been reworked to chronicle the milestones, struggles, tragedies, and triumphs of African American history. A perfect gift or timeless keepsake!

★ "Gorgeous and enlightening."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
 
This inspirational book encapsulates African American history and invites conversations at all levels. Stretching more than four hundred years, this book features pivotal moments in history, such as the arrival of enslaved people in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619; Nat Turner's rebellion; the integration of the US military; the Selma to Montgomery marches; and peaceful present-day protests. It also celebrates the feats of African American musicians and athletes, such as Duke Ellington and Florence Griffith Joyner.
 
Visually stunning and incredibly timely, this book reckons with a painful history while serving as a testament to the human spirit's ability to persevere in even the most hopeless of circumstances. Its universal message of faith, strength, and resilience will resonate with readers of all ages.

Carole Boston Weatherford’s riveting text and Frank Morrison’s evocative and detailed paintings are informative reminders of yesterday, hopeful images for today, and aspirational dreams of tomorrow.

* The end of the book includes descriptions of the people, places, and events featured, along with a note from the author.

Awards

  • WINNER | 2023
    Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award

Praise

★ "A richly illustrated, informative picture book that will leave readers humming and spark a desire to learn more." —The Horn Book, starred review

"Gorgeous and enlightening, nourishing both mind and soul."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Truly elegant."—Booklist, starred review

★ “An evocative use of prayer as old-school protest with a history lesson that is as lilting as a ballad.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“Weatherford and Morrison successfully elevate a classic song, rendering it as relevant and profound across time.” Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A love letter to the Black community...The book is a lesson, a tribute and an inspiration that should work as both an excellent read-aloud and potential sing-along." —Shelf Awareness

Author

Carole Boston Weatherford lives in High Point, North Carolina. View titles by Carole Boston Weatherford

Additional Materials

Discussion Guide for Standing in the Need of Prayer

Provides questions, discussion topics, suggested reading lists, introductions and/or author Q&As, which are intended to enhance reading groups’ experiences.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

Congrats to Our ALA Award Winners!

We are privileged to publish so many incredible books for young readers that have been honored this year by the American Library Association! Congratulations to all of our authors and illustrators who continue to create outstanding work for children and teens. Explore some of our award-winning titles below, and see a full list of this

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Standing in the Need of Prayer

From an award-winning author and critically acclaimed artist comes a stunning and deeply moving picture book based on the popular spiritual “Standing in the Need of Prayer.” The classic lyrics have been reworked to chronicle the milestones, struggles, tragedies, and triumphs of African American history. A perfect gift or timeless keepsake!   This inspirational book encapsulates African American

Read more