Reviews

How Sweet the Sound: The Story of Amazing Grace by Frank Morrison, Carole Boston Weatherford

beths0103's review against another edition

5.0

At NCTE in November of 2018, I had the privilege of meeting Carole Boston Weatherford. I wish I had known about this book at the time so I could've thanked her for it. The fact that she not only included how and why this song was originally written, but a few historical moments when Amazing Grace met the Zeitgeist of what was happening in our culture, specifically with Mahalia Jackson and Barack Obama.

heisereads's review against another edition

3.0

Frank Morrison's illustrations are always stunningly gorgeous, and in this book in particular, they draw the reader more fully into the story. The text, written in poetic verse, jumps around in the timeline a bit making it slightly hard to follow at points - I had to look back a couple of times. The backmatter helps clarify some of those confusions.
I wish I could find more background on the Cherokee element. It surprises me, and Weatherford is a trustworthy nonfiction author, but I wasn't able to find definitive statement on the accuracy of that piece. And I'd like to.

rainbowbookworm's review against another edition

3.0

The picture book is simplistic, but I still liked it. The illustrations are lovely, though.

erine's review against another edition

3.0

Very, very simple text to tell of a very, very complex topic. The illustrations are rich and beautiful and the story itself is fascinating.

Ultimately a spark for further discussion, but not a book that will answer all your questions.

katroseknibbs's review against another edition

3.0

Nice simple verse, beautiful illustrations.

melerihaf's review

3.0

It was a beautiful story, but I feel like the fact that it was told in rhyme hindered more than helped. It made cry to learn that the Cherokee sang it on the Trail of Tears.