Stotts, Stuart We Shall Overcome:

Stotts, Stuart We Shall Overcome: A Song That Changed the World
Clarion see Houghton Mifflin 2010 72p 18.00 978-0-547-18210-0
elm/ms We shall overcome. VG-BN


“ Examine the origins of the popular protest song, and describes the role the song played in civil rights, labor, and anti-war movements in America. Includes an audio CD with a performance by Pete Seeger.”
While this title is geared toward upper level elementary and middle school students, but it could also work with upper level students too. In this title, the author traces the history of the song “We Shall Overcome” across a long period of time. This song sung by Pete Seeger helps inspire, comfort, and motivate people to believe in themselves. The book covers important historical events including important historical events including the Civil Rights Movement and labor organizations. The author addresses how music has played a role in our nation’s history and that songs keep changing and evolving to reflect current times. During the Civil War, “I’ll Be All Right” was the signature song sung by slaves and it is compared to the song today we know as “We Shall Overcome.” Charles Tindley’s “I’ll Overcome Some Day” helped serve as an inspiration for “We Shall Overcome.”

Filled with period photographs, archival images and illustrations, this title assists readers by providing them with a real view of what really happened in our history. Students who need to research this song title are provided with a great resource and facts in an easy-to-comprehend title. Includes a CD of the song “We Shall Overcome” sung by Pete Seeger. Forba-Mayer, Charleen