What the Heart Knows: Chants, Charm & Blessings
illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. ISBN: 978-0544106161. 65 pages, ages 12 and up.
It is time to look into
each other’s faces . . .
time to speak until the air
holds all of our voices.
Join hands.
Right here.
Our moment:
starting now.
This slim book of hope and wisdom calls up ancient forms of the spoken word—chants, invocations, laments, spells—to offer strength for all kinds of moments: when friendship crumbles, when darkness threatens, when we want to express love or gratitude.
For centuries, we have believed in the power of words to change our lives. Here are some that just might do that.
*A Los Angeles Times Book Award Finalist
“Poems of bravery, love, heartbreak, justice, and peace unite to offer readers of all ages solace, inspiration, and strength.”
*Publisher's Weekly (starred review)
“Profound . . . a winning combination of word and image sure to challenge young readers both to contemplate big subjects and to act.”
*Kirkus (starred review)
“Each poem speaks directly from Sidman’s heart to the reader’s, addressing subjects of deep importance.”
*Horn Book (starred review)
“Newbery Honor-winner Sidman and Caldecott Honor-winner Zagarenski once again join together to create a beautiful and meaningful book [ . . .] that pulls readers to a special place.”
*Booklist (starred review)