How Sweet the Sound: The Story of Amazing Grace

Gr 3–5—On board the slave ship Greyhound is rough-and-tumble British sailor John Newton, who, caught in a terrible storm and fearing for his life, recalls the events that brought him to this harrowing moment. Upon safely reaching land, Newton devotes himself to God and turns his life around. Later in life, Newton becomes a minister, speaks out against slavery, and pens the now-famous lyrics to "Amazing Grace." From here, Weatherford traces the evolution of the hymn, as it makes its way to North America, finds a tune, continues to grow, and becomes a beacon throughout U.S. history—from a cotton plantation to the Trail of Tears, through the Civil War, the civil rights movement, and on to Barack Obama's presidency. The book then concludes with the lyrics to the song. Written in spare rhyming verse, every word is deliberate, and every line carefully crafted to maintain the meter, resulting in a striking trochaic rhythm that begs to be read aloud, but may also leave young readers that lack historical context confused about the time line of events; an author's note at the back of the book helps to fill in some of the details missing from or merely alluded to in the text. What truly makes the book stand out are Morrison's stunning oil paintings, which vividly bring to life Newton's personal experiences and moments of larger historical importance. Suggestions for further reading, listening, and viewing are also included.