The Story of Amazing Grace Atheneum Books for Young Readers
(Simon & Schuster)
(pub. 5.1.2018)
48 pages
A True Tale with
A Cherry On Top
A uthor: Carole Boston Weatherford
and illustrator: Frank Morrison
Character:
O verview from the jacket flap:
"One stormy night at sea, a wayward man named John Newton feared for his life. In his darkest hour he fell to his knees and prayed - and somehow the battered ship survived the storm.
Grateful, he changed his ways and became a minister, yet he still owned a slave ship. But in time, empathy touched his heart. A changed man, he used his powerful words to help end slavery in England.
Those words became the hymn 'Amazing Grace.' From then to now, from there to here, from protesters to presidents, John Newton's hymn has lifted the spirit and given comfort the world over."
48 pages
A True Tale with
A Cherry On Top
A uthor: Carole Boston Weatherford
and illustrator: Frank Morrison
Character:
O verview from the jacket flap:
"One stormy night at sea, a wayward man named John Newton feared for his life. In his darkest hour he fell to his knees and prayed - and somehow the battered ship survived the storm.
Grateful, he changed his ways and became a minister, yet he still owned a slave ship. But in time, empathy touched his heart. A changed man, he used his powerful words to help end slavery in England.
Those words became the hymn 'Amazing Grace.' From then to now, from there to here, from protesters to presidents, John Newton's hymn has lifted the spirit and given comfort the world over."
T antalizing taste:
"Greyhound tugged by unseen handCrew at along last glimpses land.
Safe at home, brought through the storm,
Young John Newton is reborn.
Trusting God as compass, guide.
John is captain; Mary, bride.
After John retires from sea,
He preaches to end slavery.
Ever thankful, faith still strong,
Reverend Newton pens this song:
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav'd a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see."
and something more: In the Author's Note, Carole Boston Weatherford explains that after "an illness forced [John Newton] to give up seafaring, he worked as a surveyor of tides. But he felt called to be a minister. In 1764, Newton began pastoring a church in Olney, England. With poet William Cowper, Newton wrote hymns for weekly prayer meetings. Over time, he changed his views about human bondage and raised his pen against slavery. His 'Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade' helped bring slavery to an end in the British Empire. By 1779, Newton had written 280 hymns."
And Carole's dedication was perfect for this book: "For my amazingly gracious mother, Carolyn W. Boston."
6 comments:
I did know of the story behind this song but and will still be looking forward to reading this book.
Hi Cheriee,
Yes, this story is told in such a powerful and poetic way. And I enjoyed learning about the connections through the years. I think you'll enjoy the book even though you already know the story.
thanks for stopping by!
Weatherford does the most beautiful work! This one is new to me, so thank you for sharing :)
Happy reading this week!
Hi Kellee, Yes, I agree! I'm so glad I was able to share this book with you. I think you'll enjoy it.
thanks for stopping by!
I immediately placed this one in my Goodreads to-find stack - exactly the kind of book I love. Thanks for sharing, Jeanne.
Hi Myra,
So glad you put this book on your list!
Thanks for stopping by.
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