Change Sings: A Children's Anthem

From School Library Journal

Gr 1–3—A celebrated young poet and perennially bestselling illustrator pair up to invite readers on a musical celebration of change. Building a story on Gorman's declamatory lines—"I can hear change humming/ In its loudest, proudest song./ I don't fear change coming,/ And so I sing along"—in typically polished, romanticized scenes, Long follows a small Black child carrying a big, beautifully decorated guitar as she gathers a thoroughly diverse group of young musicians to clean up a neatly littered playground, build a ramp for a child in a wheelchair, offer a meal to a homeless mom and son, and finally march beneath a huge urban mural. It proclaims, "We are the change." "I don't make a taller fence," the poet writes, "But fight to build a better bridge." Readers will have to look elsewhere for leads to specific ways and means, but Gorman's soaring appeal to "sing along" joins a long chorus of like calls and may kindle a fresh spate of young social activists. VERDICT So rich are both the art and the verses in uplifting imagery that it's hard to imagine any young audience remaining unstirred by this call to be the change they want to see.—John Peters, Children's Literature Consultant, NY

Review

★ “In rich language and vivid art, this hopeful celebration of the life-affirming power of change to ripple out into a better future is irresistible. Text and poetry work together to regulate a careful reading of this beautiful work.One to keep, to read, and to reread.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

★ “This uplifting serenade will instill readers of any age with hope for the future and the initiative to improve it.” —Publishers Weekly, (starred review)

“A lovely and loving call to action and kindness.” —Booklist

“So rich are both the art and the verses in uplifting imagery that it’s hard to imagine any young audience remaining unstirred by this call to be the change they want to see.” –School Library Journal

“This inspiring call to action unambiguously suggests that every individual, regardless of age, can contribute to making the world a better place.” –The Horn Book

Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman is the youngest presidential inaugural poet in US history. She is a committed advocate for the environment, racial equality, and gender justice. Amanda’s activism and poetry have been featured onThe Today Show,PBS Kids, andCBS This Morning, and in the New York Times, Vogue, Essence, and O, The Oprah Magazine. In 2017, Urban Word named her the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate of the United States. After graduating cum laude from Harvard University, she now lives in her hometown of Los Angeles. The special edition of her inaugural poem, “The Hill We Climb,” was published in March 2021 and debuted at #1 on theNew York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. Her debut picture book,Change Sings,will be published in September 2021. Please visittheamandagorman.com. 

Loren Long is the author and illustrator of the New York Times bestselling Otis series which is in development as an animated television series. He's also the illustrator of the #1New York Times bestsellers Of Thee I Sing by Barack Obama and Love by Matt de la Pena. He recently illustrated a modern edition of the Clement C. Moore classic The Night Before Christmas. He lives near Cincinnati with his wife and rescue hound, Charlie. Visit him online at LorenLong.com or on Twitter @lorenlong.