WE SHALL OVERCOME

Karen Chilton narrates this audiobook about the famous Civil Rights anthem with clarity and an uplifting sense of purpose. The orchestral accompaniment is fitting, but the omission of a complete version of the song being sung is perhaps a missed opportunity in this uniquely suited format. Chilton speaks slowly, offering time to reflect on the conviction of the lyrics she reads aloud. Two of the readings are identical except for page-turn signals. The signals are distracting, a tad too loud and long. Listeners without the benefit of the picture book will find it difficult to discern what the ambient sounds might be--although the illustrator's notes offer some clues after the fact. Author Bryan Collier delivers his own engaging notes, which explain the song's mixed origins: A borrowed melody was paired with hymn lyrics. L.T. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2022]