Claire Rudolf Murphy

My Country Tis of Thee: How One Song Reveals the History of Civil Rights My Country Tis of Thee: How One Song Reveals the History of Civil RightsMy Country, Tis of Thee – How One Song Reveals the History of Civil Rights

By Claire Rudolf Murphy and illustrated by Bryan Collier
Henry Holt and Co., 48 pages, ISBN 9780805082265

More than any other, one song traces America’s history of patriotism and protest.

Everyone knows the words to “My Country, ’Tis of Thee.” What most don’t realize is that this iconic song has been a beacon of change for hundreds of years. Generations of protesters and civil rights pioneers have created new lyrics, beginning in royalist Britain and continuing through conflicts in colonial times, the American Revolution, the suffragist and labor movements, and the struggles for black and Native American civil rights. With spectacular illustrations by Caldecott Honor–winning artist Bryan Collier, My Country, ’Tis of Thee offers a fascinating insight into the American fight for freedom.

Reviews:

“This examination of a well-known piece of music and the activism it inspired makes for a fascinating way to explore history.” – Kirkus Reviews
“An intriguing new take on a beloved patriotic song.” – Booklist

 

“Murphy revisits pivotal moments – social, political, martial, in which the familiar song was co-opted and re-lyricized as a partisan theme song . . . Will indeed be helpful in connecting readers to songs and recordings.” – BCCB

 

“So expertly woven together it’ll make your eyes spin, Murphy brings us a meticulously researched, brilliant work of nonfiction elegance. Want to know how to write a picture book work of factual fascinating information for kids? Behold the blueprint right before your eyes.” – Elizabeth Bird, School Library Journal

More reviews for My Country Tis Thee can also be found at Rhapsody in Books Weblog, Granite Media and Fourth Musketeer Blog.