We Shall Overcome: A Song that Changed the World

We Shall Overcome: A Song that Changed the World
By Stuart Stotts
Clarion Books, 2010. 72 pgs. Young Adult Nonfiction

Stuart Stotts presents the background behind the song "We Shall Overcome," tracing it back to African American spirituals as well as folk singers like Pete Seeger who adapted it or added lyrics. The book also shows how the song evolved to be the anthem for the Civil Rights Movement and then, to a lesser degree, a song of the anti-Vietnam War Movement. It concludes with interesting information about how the song has spread worldwide.

This book didn't quite flow as well as I would like; the different aspects of the song's history weren't explained as clearly as they could have been. However, the information provided is interesting, the photographs included add depth to the topic, and the bibliography useful for finding additional information. It comes with a CD of Pete Seeger performing the song, which definitely enhances the experience.

AE