Review of Free to Sing

Please use this sub-forum to discuss both middle-grade and younger children's books, including picture books, easy readers, and children's chapter books. Topics for books aimed at children 12 and under go in this forum.
Forum rules
Authors and publishers are not able to post replies in the review topics.
Post Reply
User avatar
Diana Lowery
Moderator
Posts: 2940
Joined: 11 Feb 2019, 07:39
Currently Reading: The Last Green Valley
Bookshelf Size: 320
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-diana-lowery.html
Latest Review: I Can DO Anything! by Michelle F. Dallago
Reading Device: B00IKPYKWG

Review of Free to Sing

Post by Diana Lowery »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Free to Sing" by Sheryl Evans Davis.]
Book Cover
5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


F​ree to Sing hits all the right notes for a book that young children are sure to enjoy. As a former kindergarten teacher, Sheryl Evans Davis knows what it takes to capture and hold the attention of a young audience: an adorable narrator, a cute story, and bright colors on every page.

T​he story is about a young girl who loves to sing and how she learns not to be intimidated by what others say about her ability. Even though the narrator is a Black girl, the message of doing your own thing applies to all genders and races. The unnamed protagonist also discusses reasons why people should sing.

B​esides the message and the colorful illustrations, one of my favorite parts is the inclusion of the first lines of some popular children's songs. Showing the girl in a raincoat and boots, the text on one page reads, "I can sing in the rain." Floating, white, musical notes are shown around the girl's head surrounding the words, "Rain rain go away.'' Children will love finishing all the songs on the four pages where these different song lyrics appear.

A​nother positive is that the book introduces two historical women of color: Josephine Baker, a singer from the Harlem Renaissance era, and Fannie Lou Hamer, a civil rights activist. These women serve as inspirational role models for young girls and are pictured in black and white as dream bubbles. The Freedom Fighters are also shown singing on a bus. These pages help carry out the theme of equity.

T​here are no negatives in this book and no grammar errors. From the sweet dedication page at the beginning of the book to the author's profile at the end, it is flawless and fascinating. There is no mention of an illustrator, so I assume that these vibrant drawings are also the work of the talented Sheryl Evans Davis. This book is sure to become one of those bedtime storybooks that always gets included in the “Please read it again stack.”

******
Free to Sing
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
User avatar
Rica Concepcion
Posts: 230
Joined: 09 Jul 2023, 02:49
Currently Reading: Apollo's Raven
Bookshelf Size: 44

Post by Rica Concepcion »

A cute story for kids, they will be inspired to be confident to sing and learn to appreciate and be inspired by other people's race and color. Thanks for the cute review.
User avatar
Diana Lowery
Moderator
Posts: 2940
Joined: 11 Feb 2019, 07:39
Currently Reading: The Last Green Valley
Bookshelf Size: 320
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-diana-lowery.html
Latest Review: I Can DO Anything! by Michelle F. Dallago
Reading Device: B00IKPYKWG

Post by Diana Lowery »

Rica Concepcion wrote: 15 Sep 2023, 23:46 A cute story for kids, they will be inspired to be confident to sing and learn to appreciate and be inspired by other people's race and color. Thanks for the cute review.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
User avatar
RutvikPatel
Posts: 227
Joined: 30 Aug 2023, 08:04
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 44
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rutvikpatel.html
Latest Review: Zona: The Forbidden Land by Fred G. Baker

Post by RutvikPatel »

"Free to Sing" is a captivating children's book with an empowering message. Author Sheryl Evans Davis, drawing from her teaching experience, skillfully engages young readers with a relatable story and vibrant illustrations. The book encourages individuality and introduces influential women of color, promoting equity and inspiration. Flawless and engaging, it's destined to become a bedtime favorite.
Post Reply

Return to “Children's Books”

Automatic Ads by Google