I See the Rhythm of Gospel (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: I See the Rhythm of Gospel Elizabeth Bush Igus, Toyomi . I See the Rhythm of Gospel; illus. by Michele Wood . Zonderkidz, 2011. 40p. ISBN 978-0-310-71819-2 $16.99 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 3-6. Igus and Wood, author and illustrator of I See the Rhythm, return to the subject [End Page 280] of African-American music, focusing now on the development of gospel from roots to hip-hop. Three distinctive threads appeal to children of different literary preferences and learning styles: a detailed timeline sets gospel highlights against noteworthy moments in African-American history; an Igus poem marks each milestone or sea change in gospel sound; and full-page illustrations by Wood are rich with information and symbolism. Igus’ purposive verse occasionally strains to attach rhyme, but it’s begging for musical accompaniment; when she’s on a roll, with slant rhymes popping and shoulders and hips tacitly in motion, it’s easier to make her message “reach out and speak to a new generation.” It’s Wood who takes top honors, however, with challenging compositions densely textured in African design and American quilt patterns, and captions that encourage viewers to seek out the embedded symbolism and identify major players. A CD with five songs representative of notable eras in gospel music is included, and if they don’t raise a few hallelujahs, there are plenty of suggestions in the discography that will. [End Page 281] Copyright © 2011 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois