Book Teaches Young Dreamers the Importance of Lift Every Voice and Sing

Review by Nosakhere Griffin-EL, Ph.D.

Sing a Song by Kelly Lyon Starling is a must-read book. The author takes the reader on an amazing generational journey of teaching and learning the Black National Anthem. In the beginning of the story, a little girl learned the song in school and practiced it everywhere she went. As time progressed, she knew the song by heart. When the girl grew up, she sung the song to her newborn son. When he grew up, he sung it to his daughter. When the granddaughter grew up, she sung it to her son. The author does a magnificent job at capturing the power, significance, and seriousness of the song for Black people across generations.

The illustrations portray the joys and struggles of Black life in America. However, the one lingering message the artwork brings out is the power of singing and its ability to bring forth hope. In addition, the illustrations with the author’s words illuminate children’s role as messengers of hope.

For parents, this book serves as a tool to teach children the importance of the Black National Anthem. It is a great introduction to teaching your young dreamer the importance of the song before teaching him/her the powerful words.

I love this book because it reminds me of my own experience. When I was a new dad in South Africa, I did not know any nursery rhymes. So, I sung my sons the Black National Anthem when they woke up in the middle of the night, before I put them to bed, or when they needed to comforted. Now, when I hear my sons sing the song, both my heart and mouth smile with joy! In a word, I love this book!