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10 Singable Books by Black Authors

June 5, 2020 by Annapolis Music Therapy Leave a Comment

Written by Zoe Levine, MT-BC & Kerry Devlin, MMT, MT-BC

Singable books are a staple in many music therapists’ toolkits, but upon inspection of our collections we realized that even the books we owned featuring BIPOC characters were primarily written by white people. There are so many incredible singable books written by Black authors with lived experience, and these books should be prioritized in therapeutic spaces and on our personal bookshelves.

While this blog post seeks to focus on Black authors, we acknowledge that identities are intersectional and not always apparent. These authors may claim the identities of biracial, multiracial, or another racial identity entirely.

The 10 books below were identified as “singable” based on rhyming text or having a predictable rhythmic pattern. They also have limited text compared to some extended rhyming books that may be more challenging to set to music. Some are based on songs with existing melodies, but many could be paired with melodies from other songs or original, music therapist-created melodies. If you’re looking for more non-singable books to supplement your library, check out this list of children’s books by Black authors. We also encourage you to consider additional curated booklists for children, such as those created by Ashay By the Bay and Embrace Race. 

If you purchase a book, please prioritize Black owned bookstores. There are so many, but if you cannot find what you need there, we encourage you to use a local bookstore. Many are currently donating a portion of their profits to Black led organizations. If you absolutely cannot find what you need at an independent retailer, use AmazonSmile instead of Amazon and set your supported organization to non-profits such as the NAACP or Minnesota Freedom Fund. 

The books below are listed in alphabetical order. This is not a ranking of books, as they are all equally important. It is also important for us to note that this is in no way an all-encompassing list; we hope you’ll let us know what books we’ve missed, and plan to continue creating singable booklists in the near future. 

Antiracist Baby by Ibram X Kendi

This book is still in preorder, but we do know it rhymes! From the author of How to Be an Antiracist comes Antiracist Baby, a board book outlining 9 steps to begin dismantling racism. The book is illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky, a prolific political artist and POC.

 

 

Brown boy, Brown boy, What Can you Be? By Ameshia Arthur 

This book follows a young boy as he explores all the exciting career options available to him. Words like “horticulturalist” mean this may be better suited for slightly older clients/students, but the bright illustrations and predictable refrain make it attractive to learners of all ages. (Please select the non-profit of your choice if purchasing through Amazon Smile.)

 

Brown Boy Joy by Thomishia Booker, LCSW, EdDCP

The Hey, Carter! Book Series is full of books based on Tomishia Booker’s own son. With her Masters in Social Work and Doctorate in Education Counseling Psychology and a background in Early Childhood Mental Health, Tomishia brings a wealth of experience to this sweet rhyming book about the beauty of being a brown boy.

 

Every Little Thing by Cedella Marley & Bob Marley, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

This is one of our most used books in school based music therapy. There are so many opportunities to address “wh” questions, and it follows the pattern of Bob Marley’s original song (with lyrics changed in the verses), so you don’t have to come up with a melody. Cedella Marley’s adaptation of “One Love” is also a must have. 

 

I Believe I Can by Grace Byers, Illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo

Written by the author of “I Am Enough”, this book provides a series of positive affirmations for children and their parents. “My presence matters in this world. My life is worthy; there’s a plan. I know I can do anything.” 

 

 

Lullaby (For a Black Mother) by Langston Hughes, Illustrated by Sean Qualls

While this book does not rhyme, its poetic nature and natural reading rhythm lend themselves to singing and snuggling.

 

 

 

Nighttime Symphony by Timbaland and Christopher Myers

In this collaboration by musician and producer Timbaland and artist Christopher Myers, a rhyming bedtime story describes the sounds of a storm that slowly help a little one fall asleep. We suggest pairing this story with ambient instruments, like a rainstick or thunder tube, to use as a cool down experience. 

 

 

This Little Light of Mine by Public Domain & E.B. Lewis

This book pairs text from a well-known spiritual with beautiful illustrations of a Black boy and his family. We envision using this story as a conversation starter for children to celebrate their unique personhood and what “makes them shine”. A musical arrangement of the song is also included for easy playing.

 

 

Welcome to The Party by Gabrielle Union, Illustrated by Ashley Evans

This story is all about celebrating a new baby as they encounter the world for the first time. Meeting friends and family, eating, playing, taking a bath, snuggling, and dancing are just a few of the excitements this new baby experiences! Specific words are highlighted on each page, which lends itself nicely for use with early readers and students working on vocabulary, rhyming, and “wh” questions.

 

Whose Knees Are These? By Jabari Asim

This book is excellent for little ones learning body parts and body love. Bounce, pat, and find your right and left knees while singing along in a family-centered session or music class. 

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Antiracism, Singable Books

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New LISS cycle just got announced! Many of our cl New LISS cycle just got announced! 
Many of our client families benefit from this program. If you are interested in applying set a reminder for May 1st! 

Here is the link to the DDA LISS hompage: https://dda.health.maryland.gov/Pages/liss.aspx

About LISS: 
The Low Intensity Support Services program (LISS) is low level funding designed to improve an individual or family’s quality of life, increase or maintain independence, and participate in their communities.
The LISS program uses an automated system called the Random Selection Process to select individuals who may be eligible for funding, granting up to $2000 for services and items to address their needs.

The use of a Random Selection Process promotes equality and access for everyone. The process includes an application, selection, eligibility determination, and the procurement of eligible items and services. The system is indiscriminate; it does not consider the identity or any other personal aspect of the applicants. The DDA distributes LISS funding twice during the fiscal year with applications accepted during Round 1 and Round 2.
📣🚨New Course!🚨📣 Our very own Kerry De 📣🚨New Course!🚨📣

Our very own Kerry Devlin, MMT, MT-BC, Naomi Davis, MT-BC & Zoe Levine, MT-BC helped create a new professional development course for music therapists and music educators centered on shaping anti-oppressive early childhood music spaces.

MT-BCs get 6 ETHICS credits! Educators get 6 professional development credits!

To learn more about the course visit musicforkiddos.com and access $20 OFF with the code ELLIG.

ID: The image shows a dark orange graphic of 4 children with diverse clothing and hair types dancing and playing instruments. One child is in a wheelchair. The text reads: “New release!  Empowering Little Leaders: exploring race, identity & equity in early childhood music with Kerry Devlin, MMT, MT-BC, Naomi Davis, MT-BC & Zoe Levine, MT-BC"
Happy birthday to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Frankl Happy birthday to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin! 🎂 I’m celebrating with one of my favorite singable books, R-E-S-P-E-C-T by Carole Boston Weatherford. #ZoesTakeoverWeek
•
ID: image is of the cover of a book. It shows the illustrated face of Aretha Franklin wearing a fluffy white boa against a read and black background. The word respect with hyphens between the letters is in gold. Text towards the bottom reads “Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. Carols Boston Weatherford. Art by Frank Morrison.
Get ready to #MeetTheTeam with Zoe Levine! All n Get ready to #MeetTheTeam with Zoe Levine! 

All next week our social medias will be run by Zoe! Get to know one of AMT's Music therapists as Zoe shows you a bit about themself and the amazing work they have been doing with AMT! 

#ZoeTakeOver #AMT #MusicTherapy 

ID: The photo shows an image of Zoe, and white femme person with short brown hair in a maroon long sleave shirt smiling.
Another #MusicalMoment for you all! This wonderf Another #MusicalMoment for you all! 

This wonderful story was created during the first few months of telehealth sessions. 

This creative little one dictated his story as I typed it out during his sessions. He then sang the background music he imagined to go with his story! I re-created his music on the piano and recorded it with him guiding me the whole way. This 10 chapter story was a 7 month long collaboration between this talented young boy and I. 

I feel so lucky to have been able to help him create such an hilarious and creative masterpiece! - Anissa, MT-BC

*Permission was given by the client and his family to post this*

#creativeminds #musictherapy #telehealth #musicalmoment 

ID: The video shows the full chapter typed out.
‼ Don't miss out! ‼ Register now at: https:/ ‼ Don't miss out! ‼ 
Register now at: 
https://www.hisawyer.com/annapolis-music-therapy-services/schedules?schedule_id=camps

For questions, email: admin@annapolismusictherapy.com

ID: Photo shows text with details about our Music and Wellness for Teens group, Thursday March 18th from 4:30-5:15. The text overlays a photo of a girl on a tablet with a guitar on the floor.
📣 New Program Alert! 📣 An amazing virtual p 📣 New Program Alert! 📣

An amazing virtual program run by AMT's Amanda Rosado, MMT, MT-BC, is happening next Thursday, 4:30-5:15pm. 

The group is $25 per person with a sliding scale option available. 

📣 Register now at annapolismusictherapy.com/book-now

#musictherapy #musicandwellness #musictherapyforteens #amt
Our clinic may look at a little different. Take a Our clinic may look at a little different. Take a peak! 

We have changed a few things at our clinic to ensure our space is safe and sanitized.
 
 - We limited our instrument selection and have a bin for used instruments. The instruments are cleaned after every session. 
- We have an air purifier that is turned on at the beginning of the day
- And we all take off our shoes before entering the music room. 

#safetyfirst #sanitation #musictherapy
Check out this wonderful #musicalmoment with me (M Check out this wonderful #musicalmoment with me (Ms. Anissa) and this incredibly talented little one! I am so grateful to be able to work with this little guy in person again so that we can share beautiful moments like this one <3 

Rhythm games are great for attention, fine and gross motor skills, Impulse control, fostering meaningful bonds and so much more!

#MusicTherapy #anissatakeover
I am ao excited to be back at our Annapolis clinic I am ao excited to be back at our Annapolis clinic space and to be seeing a few in-person clients again! 
We have quite a few new safety protocols in place to ensure everyone's safety. One of which is that everyone (including me) have to get their temperature taken with our contact-free thermometer before entering the music room. 

ID: This photo is a selfie of Anissa at the clinic. She is wearing a black facemask and holding a contact-free termometer

- Anissa Dominguez, MT-BC

#anissatakeover #safetlyfirst #safetyprotocol #thermometer
Get to know one of our Music Therapists with a #So Get to know one of our Music Therapists with a #SocialMediaTakeover 

All next week, Our social media accounts will feature content about Anissa and her work with AMT! You will get to see what her in-person sessions look like and all of the new saftey protocols at our clinic in Annapolis. 

#MusicTherapy  #MeetTheTeam 

Image Description: This image shows a picture of Anissa holding a guitar with an array of djembe's behind her. The photo also has an orange background, music icons, and text that reads "Announcing Anissa's Social Media Takeover"
Take a #SneakPeek into our music lessons. Making Take a #SneakPeek into our music lessons.

Making learning time signatures a more tactile and visual experience with some #BeanBagBeats! 

#AdaptiveLessons #MusicTherapy
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