A wee-kid Wednesday book review, this afternoon we look at a Christian Children’s book we recommend for your family!
Anne Rockwell. Hey, Charleston! Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books, January 1, 2013. 32 pp
5 out of 5
Purchase: Amazon
Want to read a book to your children or grandchildren of how God uses ordinary Christians to make a difference that can make a big impact in more than one area? This book was a lot of fun for me to read to my kids, and specifically to read to them while I’m on vacation!
This children illustrated book is about the true story about the Jenkins Orphanage Band from Charleston, South Carolina. It tells the story of how African American pastor Daniel Joseph Jenkins started his orphanage in Charleston, South Carolina back in 1891. Of course to provide for the ever growing amount of orphans Reverend Jenkins needed to find out a way to raise funds. With all the challenges that this children book acknowledges of what Jenkins faced we see Jenkins had the ingenious ideas of starting a marching band in which orphans performed in the streets to raise funds. Around Charleston many of those who gave were themselves poor so Jenkins thought of the idea of going to New York City to perform and raise funds. It turned out to be a success. But it isn’t just a one way street the benefit: Jenkins’ band musical style was instrumental in developing a new style of music called “Rag.” I learned from this book that this band became so well known that it played for Theodore Roosevelt’s inauguration as president and also it went to perform for English royalty in 1914 on the eve of World War One.
This book is well done, and engaging for my kids when I read it to them. I thought the illustration is beautiful. The book also sparked a conversation I had afterwards with my kids of how Christianity and Christians who believe in Christianity will have an impact on the here and now; contrary to the sentiment that serious Christians are too heavenly for any good on earth now.
I recommend this book!
Thanks brother. Looks perfect for the grandkids!
Blessings.
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
The illustrations look beautiful! Thanks for sharing SlimJim ☺️
Thanks for the review! Looks interesting and fun. I was curious about why the term “rag” was used in association with the orphanage band’s music, googled it, and learned it was shorthand for the band’s “ragged” version of traditional marching music.
Wow I never knew what you shared: “ it was shorthand for the band’s “ragged” version of traditional marching music.”. Learned something new there. That makes sense since the book talks about using old marching band instrument and old civil war uniforms and outfits that were once used by Citadel cadets; how was your Wednesday?? No problem with the seafood yesterday (agita etc)?
RE: rag
I wondered over the decades why rag/ragtime was called that and thanks to your prompting now I know!
RE: Wednesday
It rained in ROC most of the day yesterday so I did a lot of couch duty. I’m currently reading a long book (a compendium of articles by conservative Catholics accusing pope Francis of heresy) that I thought would be a drudgery but has turned out to be fascinating page-turner.
RE: seafood agita
Ha! You know me pretty well! Thanks! Yup, I did wake up early with post-calamari agita, but nothing serious.
Hope you’re all enjoying the vacation! I’m glad you’re able to stay in touch during the trip. In our last trip to Germany in 2017 I remember waking up early at our grandson’s German grandparents’ house or at a hotel and linking up with WordPress while my wife continued to sleep.
Sweet.
Reading this made me think about New Orleans! How far away is New Orleans from you?
340 miles there abouts. 🙂
Aww sounds like a really good book and I’m sure your kids loved it. It’s also so cool that it’s a true story that is inspiring!
Hi 🙂
Nice illustrations! Cool that it’s based on a true story!
Fascinating story! I think even we adults might enjoy reading with an audience of children.