Module 10: Band of Angels

Module ten focused on historical fiction, which is a favorite genre of mine.  I read a book titled A Band of Angels: A Story Inspired by the Jubilee Singers, by Deborah Hopkinson.

Image credit: http://capitolchoices.communitypoint.org/images/resources/Book/band_of_angels_lg.gif

A Band of Angels tells the story of Ella, a young Black girl growing up in post-Civil War America.  Ella learns of a school for freed slaves in Nashville - the Fisk school, and decides that she wants to go there.  Although she starts out with only enough money for 3 weeks' tuition, she works hard in the school kitchen and cafeteria so she can continue her studies.  She then joins the school chorus, which eventually goes on tour to raise funds to keep the school from closing.  The beginning of the tour is not very successful, so one night Ella decides to start their concert with a spiritual, a song from slave times.  The audience is enchanted, and the Jubilee Singers become popular, touring the world and raising enough money to build Jubilee Hall.

I thought this was an excellent book.  Although it is historical fiction, I believe that children of all ages would be able to connect with the story - Ella experiences hard times, but rises above them in the end, inspiring her chorus and gaining the attention of people around the globe as she brings spirituals to life once again.
Publisher's Weekly wrote:
"A groundbreaking African-American chorus founded in 1871 inspires this warm and moving picture book... Hopkinson's (Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt) lilting text interweaves subtle details about racial tensions after the Civil War while emphasizing the importance of education and of being true to oneself. Colon's (My Mama Had a Dancing Heart) watercolor and colored-pencil compositions are awash in soft, golden light. His characteristic cross-hatching technique adds texture and depth to each painting, and scenes of the chorus lost in song--voices raised, eyes closed--reveal the courage and heart of these trailblazing singers."

This book would be an excellent addition to any display, book talk, story time, or other program created for Black History Month.  A story time could begin with singing or playing a few spirituals for the students, along with some background information on those types of songs, followed up with reading the story.

References:
Hopkinson, D.  (1999).  A Band of Angels: A Story Inspired by the Jubilee Singers.  New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

(1999).  Forecasts: Children's Books.  Publisher's Weekly, 246(1), 90.