“We free now, baby,” mama whispers as we bounce and sway with the wagon’s twists and turns over roads of clay through the land that oppressed us to a new world, a brand new day. The dynamic author/illustrator team of Toyomi Igus and Michele Wood has come together again to produce I See the Rhythm of Gospel, a sequel to the Coretta Scott King Award-winning I See the Rhythm. Readers of all ages will be captivated by this informative and inspirational blend of poetry, art, and music that relates the history of gospel music as reflected through the journey of African Americans from their arrival as slaves in America to the election of our first black president, Barack Obama. The bonus CD included in the back of the book features these five gospel songs representing different eras in African-American gospel history: Gospel Quartets: “Wade in the Water”—Golden Gate Quartet Gospel Women: “I Will Move on Up a Little Higher”—Mahalia Jackson Gospel Soul (Motown and Funk): “Hallelujah Praise”—CeCe Winans Gospel Power: “Jesus Be a Fence Around Me”—Fred Hammond and Radical for Christ Holy Hip-Hop: “I Love You”—Cross Movement

The inspirational blend of poetry, art, and music in I See the Rhythm of Gospel traces the history of African-American gospel music as it relates to the spiritual and social evolution of black people in America. Children and adults alike will be captivated by the words of Toyomi Igus and colorful images from Michele Wood on the page, as well as the bonus music CD included in this emotional and compelling book.

This comprehensive, energetic book (which includes a CD) addresses the gospel community's passionate endeavor to engage ever-changing political and cultural influences while remaining true to its cultural roots.