A little girl who loves to sing has been told by her older sister to stop, but, leaning on her mother's words of encouragement, she refuses to do so. Instead, she shares her passion with other children through her remarks on how singing has brought joy to her own life and household as well as been a force for positive change in society. From reflecting on the comfort of singing to her baby brother to recalling the role of song in the Civil Rights movement, the little girl's narrative is a celebration of the power of embracing and expressing one's identity, relationships, and values through music and one's very own voice. It is likewise an invitation to other children to use their gifts freely in nurturing positivity within themselves and among others, from the private sphere of the family home to humanity and the world at large.

I Like to Sing! A little Black girl establishes herself as the story's narrator, declaring that she likes to sing but that her big sister sometimes criticizes her voice. On the other hand, her mother encourages her to continue. Mama's Words The narrator recalls her mother's advice to feel free to be herself, forget what other people may think, and embrace song as a way of expressing herself. Why Sing? Sing What? Who Sings? We are enjoined to consider the ways in which song can be used and the things it can accomplish: it can be an outlet for emotions; it can commemorate special occasions; it can be a tool for learning and teaching; it can be used privately and in connection with the natural world; and it can bring comfort. To sing is a free and personal choice, and songs can be sung anytime and anywhere—not only to entertain crowds like Josephine Baker did, but even to share an important message, just as when Fannie Lou Hamer and the Freedom Fighters sang to give people strength and advance civil rights. Your Voice, Your Choice… Just Sing! People sing for many different reasons, but what's most important is that everyone is free to sing for their own reasons and in their own ways. The narrator emphasizes the importance of doing "your thing" and invites readers to join her in feeling free to sing!

Sheryl Evans Davis started her career as a kindergarten teacher. She is a passionate advocate for equity, and educational opportunity for all. Davis promotes culturally competent strategies and builds strong partnerships that foster educational success, community safety, and wellness. Davis is the creator of the Everybody Reads a summer learning, family literacy and reading development initiative centering BIPOC youth. She also designed a program of in-school groups and curriculum centered around social justice, racial equity, student wellness and achievement.

GENRE:
• Juvenile Fiction

SUBGENRE:

• Social Issues
• Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance

LANGUAGE:
• English

PAGES: 28

PAPERBACK ISBN:
• 9781667884967