Satisfying poetry, devastating details from Hamer's life, gorgeous illustrations. A fittingly awesome testament to an American icon. ( )

Despite fierce prejudice and abuse, even being beaten to within an inch of her life, Fannie Lou Hamer was a champion of civil rights from the 1950s until her death in 1977. Integral to the Freedom Summer of 1964, Ms. Hamer gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention that, despite President Johnson’s interference, aired on national TV news and spurred the nation to support the Freedom Democrats. Based on the critically acclaimed 2016 Caldecott and Sibert Honor Book, Voice of Freedom celebrates Fannie Lou Hamer’s life and legacy with a message of hope, determination, and strength. (Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (Awards))

Heartbreaking, but also inspiring. ( )

Goodreads Review:
A stirring collection of poems and spirituals, accompanied by stunning collage illustrations, recollects the life of Fannie Lou Hamer, a champion of equal voting rights.

"I am sick and tired of being sick and tired."

Despite fierce prejudice and abuse, even being beaten to within an inch of her life, Fannie Lou Hamer was a champion of civil rights from the 1950s until her death in 1977. Integral to the Freedom Summer of 1964, Ms. Hamer gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention that, despite President Johnson’s interference, aired on national TV news and spurred the nation to support the Freedom Democrats. Featuring luminous mixed-media art both vibrant and full of intricate detail, Singing for Freedom celebrates Fannie Lou Hamer’s life and legacy with an inspiring message of hope, determination, and strength.

In long, free-verse, first-person poems, Fannie describes her lifelong journey from sharecropping to marriage and parenthood, working with SNCC, the Freedom Summer and 1964 DNC, travels, the Black Power movement, and the 1968 DNC.

Back matter includes author's note, timeline (1917-1977), source notes, selected bibliography

"If you respect yourself enough, other people will have to respect you." (5)

See also: The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita L. Hubbard, The Teachers March by Wallace & Wallace. ( )