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  • Published: 10 October 2022
  • ISBN: 9780593306345
  • Imprint: RHUS Children's Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $35.00

Standing in the Need of Prayer

A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual





From an award-winning author and critically acclaimed artist comes a stunning and deeply moving picture book based on the popular spiritual "Standing in the Need of Prayer." The classic lyrics have been reworked to chronicle the milestones, struggles, tragedies, and triumphs of African American history. A perfect gift or timeless keepsake!

CHILDREN'S LITERATURE LEGACY AWARD WINNER • CORETTA SCOTT KING ILLUSTRATOR AWARD WINNER • A stunning and deeply moving picture book based on the popular spiritual from an award-winning author and critically acclaimed illustrator. The classic lyrics have been reworked to chronicle the milestones, struggles, tragedies, and triumphs of African American history. A perfect gift or timeless keepsake!

★ "Gorgeous and enlightening."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

This inspirational book encapsulates African American history and invites conversations at all levels. Stretching more than four hundred years, this book features pivotal moments in history, such as the arrival of enslaved people in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619; Nat Turner's rebellion; the integration of the US military; the Selma to Montgomery marches; and peaceful present-day protests. It also celebrates the feats of African American musicians and athletes, such as Duke Ellington and Florence Griffith Joyner.

Visually stunning and incredibly timely, this book reckons with a painful history while serving as a testament to the human spirit's ability to persevere in even the most hopeless of circumstances. Its universal message of faith, strength, and resilience will resonate with readers of all ages.

Carole Boston Weatherford’s riveting text and Frank Morrison’s evocative and detailed paintings are informative reminders of yesterday, hopeful images for today, and aspirational dreams of tomorrow.

* The end of the book includes descriptions of the people, places, and events featured, along with a note from the author.

  • Published: 10 October 2022
  • ISBN: 9780593306345
  • Imprint: RHUS Children's Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $35.00

About the author

Carole Boston Weatherford

Named the 2025-2026 Young People's Poet Laureate, Carole Boston Weatherford earned a BA from American University, an MA from the University of Baltimore, and an MFA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has written more than 80 books and has earned many awards including the NAACP Image Award, a Coretta Scott King Award, and a Newbery Honor. She often writes about African American history, traditions, families and music. Weatherford is the winner of a Ragan-Rubin Award for Literary Achievement from the North Carolina English Teachers Association and the North Carolina Award for Literature. A retired English professor, she lives in Maryland.

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