God Bless the Child (picture book) facts for kids
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| Author | Billie Holiday, Arthur Herzog Jr. |
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| Illustrator | Jerry Pinkney |
| Country | USA |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's literature, picture book, Song |
| Published | 2003 (HarperCollins) |
| Media type | Print (hardback) |
| Pages | 32 (unpaginated) |
| ISBN | 9780060287979 |
| OCLC | 45230462 |
| Includes cd of song by Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog Jr. | |
God Bless the Child is a special picture book published in 2003. It combines the famous song "God Bless the Child" by Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog Jr. with beautiful illustrations by Jerry Pinkney. This book tells the story of an African-American family. They move from the countryside in the Deep South to the busy city of Chicago. This journey happened during a time known as the Great Migration.
Contents
Exploring "God Bless the Child"
This book is a picture book, which means it uses many illustrations to tell its story. It's designed to be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The book helps young people understand a significant part of American history. It shows how families faced big changes during the Great Migration.
The Story and Its Meaning
The book follows a family as they leave their home in the rural South. They are looking for new opportunities and a better life in the North. This journey was common for many African-American families at the time. The story highlights themes of hope, family strength, and new beginnings. It also touches on the challenges people faced when moving to a new place.
The title comes from a famous song. The song's message is about self-reliance and taking care of yourself. It suggests that those who have their own resources will be blessed. This idea is woven into the family's journey in the book.
Who Created This Book?
Jerry Pinkney: The Illustrator
Jerry Pinkney was a very famous American illustrator. He was known for his detailed and emotional artwork. Pinkney illustrated over 100 books during his career. Many of his books focused on African-American history and culture. He won many awards for his work, including the Caldecott Medal. This medal is given for the most distinguished American picture book for children. His illustrations in God Bless the Child bring the family's journey to life. They show their feelings and the changing landscapes.
Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog Jr.: The Songwriters
The words and music for "God Bless the Child" were written by Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog Jr.. Billie Holiday was a legendary jazz singer. She was known for her unique voice and powerful songs. "God Bless the Child" became one of her signature songs. It was first recorded in 1941. The song's lyrics talk about the importance of having your own. It means being independent and strong. This message resonated with many people, especially during difficult times.
The Great Migration: A Historical Journey
The book's story is set during the Great Migration. This was a period in American history when millions of African Americans moved. They moved from the southern states to the northern and western states. This movement happened roughly from 1916 to 1970.
Why Did People Move?
People moved for several important reasons. In the South, many African Americans faced unfair treatment. They also had limited job opportunities. They hoped to find better jobs in factories and cities in the North. They also sought more freedom and equality. Cities like Chicago offered new possibilities.
Life in the New Cities
Moving to a new city was a big change. Families had to adjust to urban life. They found different kinds of jobs and new communities. While challenges still existed, the Great Migration was a time of hope. It helped shape the culture and demographics of many American cities. The book helps young readers understand this important historical event. It shows the human side of such a massive movement.
