Triumphant Voices of the Past

February, which is Black History Month, is also a simple opportunity for children of all races to read about interesting events, such as the creation of an important musical group and the everyday life of children in 1864.

Beloved spirituals such as “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “This Old Time Religion” are a permanent part of American culture, primarily because of the Jubilee Singers, the most important black singing group of the 19th century. Their triumphant story is told in “A Band of Angels” (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $16), Deborah Hopkinson’s fictional account based on real people and events.

Hopkinson, author of the familiar “Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt” (Knopf, 1993), here writes for readers 5 to 9, but anyone with

an interest in the roots of American music will enjoy the inspirational story, luminously illustrated by Raul Colon.

The action is seen through young Ella Shephard’s eyes, as related to Ella’s great-great-granddaughter by a modern-day storyteller, in an interesting blend of the oral and written traditions.

“ ‘Grandma Ella was born into slavery,’ Aunt Beth always begins. ‘But no one could chain her voice.’ ”

The Fisk School (now Fisk University) in Nashville, Tenn., opened in 1866 for former slaves and was in financial trouble by the time it began offering college classes in 1871. Music teacher George White--in a desperate attempt to keep the school open--rounded up every cent he could and set out with nine young students on a singing tour.

But that’s the beginning, not the end, of the story. Because the group didn’t make any money--from white or black audiences--until it changed its repertory to the heartfelt songs of slavery days.

“They called them spirituals, or jubilee songs, because the word ‘jubilee’ means a time of hope and freedom. And now that time had begun.”

Ella was the pianist and one of the voices that introduced those songs of sorrow and hope to the world. The first tour raised $150,000 (they needed $5,000), enough to save Fisk and build Jubilee Hall, the first permanent structure in the South for the education of black students.

The legacy continues: The Fisk Jubilee Singers still tour. The university still stands. Jubilee Hall has a painting of Ella and the other singers. And, in the campus library, you can meet the real great-granddaughter of Ella Shephard Moore.

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American girls have it all--not only vast wardrobes and fine furniture, but also expansive libraries. In this case I refer to the American Girls Collection from Pleasant Co., a line of upscale dolls and accessories (sold separately) but affordable ($4.95) books. Each doll in the series represents a period in history and is featured in her own line of books. The books stand alone, so even without the dolls, learning can be fun for girls 7 and older.

“Meet Addy, an American Girl” (1993) introduces Addy Walker, a courageous girl seeking freedom in 1864, amid the War Between the States. By Book 2, (“Addy Learns a Lesson, a School Story”), Addy is free and living in Philadelphia. Still, the events are not all happy or sugar-coated.

The series continues with “Addy’s Surprise, a Christmas Story,” “Happy Birthday, Addy! A Springtime Story,” “Addy Saves the Day, a Summer Story” and “Changes for Addy, a Winter Story.”

A coordinated series called American Girls Pastimes includes larger-format cookbooks, craft books, theater kits and craft kits. “Addy’s Cook Book” ($5.95) includes party ideas and simple recipes (adult supervision suggested) for foods Addy might have enjoyed, such as hominy grits and sweet potato pone.

“Addy’s Craft Book” ($5.95) has fun historical facts and step-by-step instructions. Projects familiar to children of the era, such as hooked rugs and shadow puppets, may be made with materials available today. Craft kits (available from the American Girls catalog) include instructions and supplies for three projects from the craft books. The theater kits each include four play scripts and a director’s guide to staging a play about your favorite American Girl.

The other American Girl characters are Felicity, an independent colonial girl; Kirsten, a spunky pioneer; Samantha, a Victorian-era orphan being raised by her grandmother; and Molly, who minds the home front during World War II. The books are available in bookstores, individually or in boxed sets. For more information about the American Girls Collection, request a catalog from (800) 845-0005.