Ashley Bryan’s electrifying illustrations for three well-known African American spirituals, “Let It Shine,” “When the Saints Go Marching In,” and “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” were constructed from cut paper, which he used to compose vibrant tableaus. Bryan uses both concrete and abstract imagery to convey visual ideas for lines in the songs, creating art that references rural and urban landscapes and elements of nature, as well as expressing ideas about freedom and spiritual beliefs. Warm, vivid colors and an abundance of round or fluid lines suggest a sense of embrace in this singular volume. An author’s note provides background information on the importance of spirituals in African American life. (All ages)

Fifteen-year-old Miles Ferrell uses the rare and special gift he is given to break the curse of the Shriker, a murderous creature reportedly brought to Shalem Wood by his family's clan centuries before.