Lift Every Voice and Change: A Sound Book

Bring Black history in America to vivid life for kids through powerful sound clips from 12 Black leaders, amplified by bold illustrations and background facts.

*2024 Social Justice Literature Honor Book*
*2024 EUREKA! Honor Book*
*2024 Notable Social Studies Trade Book*

With the touch of the button, hear impactful quotes spoken by inspiring Black Americans in primary source audio files. Aimed at children ages 7–12, a succinct profile of the speaker alongside an explanation of the significance of the quote and moment provide the context for each audio clip. A vibrant illustration of the speaker completes the picture.

Through the included quotes, kids gain an age-appropriate understanding of the strides made in the ongoing journey for equality, from the early days of sound recording to modern day.

Lift Every Voice and Change features the voices of:
 

• Booker T. Washington
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
• John Lewis
• Stokely Carmichael
• James Baldwin
• Stacey Abrams
• Toni Morrison
• Katherine Johnson
• Jay-Z
• Gladys Mae West
• Faith Ringgold
• Ayo Tometi

The voices chosen represent an equal number of men and women, historical and modern figures, across a variety of disciplines. Some are household names and others may very well be introduced to children for the first time! Inspire the next generation of leading voices by inviting them to listen to and learn from the Black leaders of yesterday and today.

Manufacturer’s note: Please pull the white tab out of the back of the book before use. Sound buttons require a firm push in the exact location to work, which may be hard for young children. Sound clips range in length, but are an average of 12 seconds long.

Charnaie Gordon is a Diversity and Inclusion Expert, blogger, podcast host, digital creator, and author of Lift Every Voice and Change: A Sound Book, Race Cars, and A Kids Book About Diversity. She also serves as a member of the National Advisory Board for Reading is Fundamental for their Race, Equity, and Inclusion (REI) initiative. More than anything else, she cares about connecting people with great books they’ll love. In her world, books are an absolute necessity. Charnaie is passionate about instilling a love of reading, lifelong learning, and curiosity in her kids. She hopes to inspire others to do the same with their children. Find her online at hereweeread.com and @hereweeread on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Aeron Cargill is a Jamaican American illustrator who has worked on several children's books and textbooks. His art style is a playful blend of whimsical realism with a touch of nostalgia. Aeron loves history and also works as a fine artist and art director. He lives and works in Florida. Visit him at aeroncargill.com.