CORETTA SCOTT KING ILLUSTRATOR AWARD WINNER! A stunning and deeply moving picture book based on the popular spiritual from an award-winning author and critically acclaimed illustrator. The classic lyrics have been reworked to chronicle the milestones, struggles, tragedies, and triumphs of African American history. A perfect gift or timeless keepsake!

★ "Gorgeous and enlightening."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

This inspirational book encapsulates African American history and invites conversations at all levels. Stretching more than four hundred years, this book features pivotal moments in history, such as the arrival of enslaved people in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619; Nat Turner's rebellion; the integration of the US military; the Selma to Montgomery marches; and peaceful present-day protests. It also celebrates the feats of African American musicians and athletes, such as Duke Ellington and Florence Griffith Joyner.

Visually stunning and incredibly timely, this book reckons with a painful history while serving as a testament to the human spirit's ability to persevere in even the most hopeless of circumstances. Its universal message of faith, strength, and resilience will resonate with readers of all ages.

Carole Boston Weatherford’s riveting text and Frank Morrison’s evocative and detailed paintings are informative reminders of yesterday, hopeful images for today, and aspirational dreams of tomorrow.

* The end of the book includes descriptions of the people, places, and events featured, along with a note from the author.

WINNER | 2023
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award

★ "A richly illustrated, informative picture book that will leave readers humming and spark a desire to learn more." —The Horn Book, starred review

★ "Gorgeous and enlightening, nourishing both mind and soul."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Truly elegant."—Booklist, starred review

★ “An evocative use of prayer as old-school protest with a history lesson that is as lilting as a ballad.” —School Library Journal, starred review

★ “Weatherford and Morrison successfully elevate a classic song, rendering it as relevant and profound across time.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A love letter to the Black community...The book is a lesson, a tribute and an inspiration that should work as both an excellent read-aloud and potential sing-along." —Shelf Awareness

Carole Boston Weatherford lives in High Point, North Carolina. View titles by Carole Boston Weatherford

Frank Morrison View titles by Frank Morrison

Discussion Guide for Standing in the Need of Prayer

Provides questions, discussion topics, suggested reading lists, introductions and/or author Q&As, which are intended to enhance reading groups’ experiences.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

About

Awards

WINNER | 2023
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award

Reviews

Author

Carole Boston Weatherford lives in High Point, North Carolina. View titles by Carole Boston Weatherford

Frank Morrison View titles by Frank Morrison

Guides

Discussion Guide for Standing in the Need of Prayer

Provides questions, discussion topics, suggested reading lists, introductions and/or author Q&As, which are intended to enhance reading groups’ experiences.