Set to the text of the same titled song performed with Yo-Yo Ma a few years ago, this is a lovely illustrated read which invites to sing along.

I already found the cover scene inviting with it's wholesome invitation to visit. But of course, the book itself is about the story of how the family got to that point. This follows the lyrics of the song performed with Yo-Yo Ma a couple years ago and does include a link to a recording, so it can be enjoyed by young listeners.

The text is very simple and repetitive, making it easy to pick-up and join in (read or sung). While this gives a glimpse at the problems slaves faced and their fight to live their own lives, it stays down-to-earth, meaning that young listeners won't have any trouble understanding what is going on and will sympathize with the circumstances. It's gentle, so even sensitive readers won't have any problems with it, and it ends on a inspiring note, while keeping that food for thought and understanding.

I do enjoy the illustrations. The young girl adds the needed element for listeners to connect with. After all, her kind nature is more than visible, and it's not hard to picture her asking the listener to come and play with her. The family also keeps a positive attitude even when things aren't the best, creating a warm family atmosphere. I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed the visible world built around the song. ( )

The author, Rhiannon Giddens, is a Grammy Award-winning musician, singer, songwriter, and MacArthur Fellow, among her other accomplishments. The words to this book - originally performed as a song with cellist Yo-Yo Ma - were written in 2020 to commemorate the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth Day.

Juneteenth Day is a holiday commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States - the oldest known such celebration in the country. On June 19th, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger came to Galveston, Texas and announced the end of the Civil War and freedom for Black slaves. This is the first time that some slaves heard the news, and the first time it was delivered to all the people of Texas with the imprimatur of the Federal Government.

Giddens’ poetry/song is illustrated in bright colors by Monica Mikai. A family of slaves, used, abused, and cast out, survives to build a house of their own and write their own songs. “I learned your words and wrote my song. I put my story down.” As the author indicates in her Afterword, the song speaks about both the worst and best things about being human.

The Author’s Note concludes: “I am proud to be a banjo-playing descendant of the Afro-Carolinians who, against all the odds, made a culture and built a home and survived, so I could thrive.”

A scannable QR code at the end of the book allows readers to hear the afore-mentioned performance of “Build a House” by Rhiannon Giddens, who sings and plays the banjo, and features Yo-Yo Ma on cello. You might not think those two instruments would go together well, but in fact the ways in which they complement each other will surprise you.

Evaluation: The beautiful poetry of this book amounts to a manifesto filled with determination, perseverance, hope, and ultimately triumph. The words are both beautiful and powerful, as well as inspirational. ( )