Clap Your Hands

A Celebration of Gospel

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Pub Date Dec 31 2019 | Archive Date Jul 31 2020

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Description

Clap Your Hands is an inspirational, joyous celebration of poetry, art, and rhythm, tracing the history of African American gospel music and the poets, singers, and thought leaders who have fearlessly and soulfully contributed to the spiritual and social evolution of America. This powerful and poetic read bursts with vibrant artwork and is rich in personal notes and information that will interest any history buff or music enthusiast.

Created by the dynamic author and illustrator team of Toyomi Igus and Michele Wood, winners of the Coretta Scott King Award for I See the Rhythm, Clap Your Hands shares the Black history behind gospel music that has courageously broken all color barriers, influencing both worship and popular culture in America for hundreds of years. Clap Your Hands is great for children ages 4 to 8. Inside, you’ll find:

  • Notes from the author and the illustrator sharing their personal inspirations and influences, as well as their research on the roots and evolution of gospel music

  • Historical notes about the events covered in the book, exploring the cultural importance of gospel music throughout history

  • Further reading section, discography, and discussion questions to encourage learning and engagement

  • A running timeline of all historical milestones—from the first slaves to President Obama’s inauguration

    Readers of all ages will be captivated by this informative and inspirational blend of poetry, art, and music that honors gospel music and reflects its journey.

Clap Your Hands is an inspirational, joyous celebration of poetry, art, and rhythm, tracing the history of African American gospel music and the poets, singers, and thought leaders who have...


A Note From the Publisher

An inspirational, joyous celebration of poetry, art, and rhythm—from the dynamic author and illustrator team of Toyomi Igus and Michele Wood—tracing the history of African-American gospel music and the poets, singers, and thought leaders who have contributed to the spiritual and social evolution of America.

An inspirational, joyous celebration of poetry, art, and rhythm—from the dynamic author and illustrator team of Toyomi Igus and Michele Wood—tracing the history of African-American gospel music and...


Advance Praise

“Clap Your Hands uses poetry to chronicle the lineage of gospel music in America, beginning with  the celebration of music and deities on the African continent prior to enslavement and concluding  with the modern-day gospel. Each double-page spread spotlights a distinct era in time. The poem is the centerpiece of each spread, while vibrant watercolor illustrations depicting beautiful mosaics of gospel-singing Black people are eye catchers as well. Though visually appealing, this title would be better aimed toward middle-grade readers, given the many text-heavy features, such as captions summarizing each era and a running time-line banner of major events in

African American history. A Where’s Waldo –type figure hidden within each illustration is a fun visual element. Though rich with history, the poetry tends to fall flat with predictable sing-song rhymes, but nevertheless, this is a necessary title documenting a segment of American history that is often untold in books for young people. Despite the minor shortcomings here, readers will still revel in having learned how gospel has influenced our nation today.”    — Booklist, Feb. 7, 2020, Melanie Kirkwood 


“Clap Your Hands uses poetry to chronicle the lineage of gospel music in America, beginning with the celebration of music and deities on the African continent prior to enslavement and concluding...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9780310769477
PRICE $16.99 (USD)
PAGES 40

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (PDF)

Average rating from 15 members


Featured Reviews

Beautiful illustrations! Provides history of Gospel music within the timeline of major events in American events from the time of the first slaves brought to the new world through today's current events. Poetic language keeps the story of Gospel music flowing alongside the illustrations.

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What a beautiful book! The rhythm, the timeline, the illustrations, the bibliography - all of it! I hope more people buy this book AND the CD. I read the NetGalley version.

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A poignant, engaging, brilliant book that tells the story of gospel's evolution and the history of the black experience from precolonial America all the way to present day America. The illustrations are so vibrant. I appreciated the use of the geometric quilt patterns throughout the book. The quilt motif played on a visual reference that is both historic and modern looking, which connects well with written content-- history and heritage carried through generations and that overarching pushing forward/pulled back, progress/regression pattern that is shown in the timeline. The poetry is beautiful and grounded by a well-constructed timeline. There is a lot of information to unpack in this book, which should lead to deep conversations. I think this book works for a wide range of ages. The discography is good, but I hope this book is launched with an audio component. It is the perfect opportunity to be innovative with audio and written content. I look forward to buying this book.

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When I read the name of the book I immediately thought of John P. Kee's song, Clap your hands. This book takes you on a narrative and visual journey. The art, facts, words and poetry follow the Africans captured as slaved to the shore of America, and the struggles they face there. You will cry and laugh. You will experience sorrow and joy. Every household should have a copy of this book. I hope it is also placed within the African American museum.

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Clap Your Hands: A Celebration of Gospel is a beautiful picture book featuring vibrant illustrations of moments in African American History and in particular, the history of gospel music. The text is comprised of poetry by Toyomi Igus highlighting different eras of gospel music history. The book also has a timeline running throughout that shows significant moments in African American History.

This is a great book if you are looking to educate your child or yourself about gospel music. I also like that it included a list of recommended music at the end of the book. This book is good for 4th grade or older. There is a lot of information in this book and it might be best to go through it an era at a time so that you can discuss the history of that era and perhaps listen to some of the recommended tracks.

<i>I received a review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. </i>

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