I am looking for a “picture book” for older students. It was probably published between 2002 and 2012. It is narrated by an African American girl who tells the story of going to church with her mama. The book is written in poetry and is beautifully illustrated. I think it has the word “shout” in its title. Here are the last 9 lines of the text:
I can still hear a myriad of
African musicians playing
On our shoulder, on our heartstrings
And we, still spirit-touched in
Our modern dance, move
Onward, upward, reaching
Til we’re tracing back through time
The same steps, that same familiar…
AMEN!
Joyce Carol Thomas is the poet
I searched for one line in Google Books and found one likely answer: http://poetryforchildren.blogspot.com/2007/04/joyce-carol-thomas-and-shouting.html
Shouting! by Joyce Carol Thomas, a poetic celebration of faith, worship, and celebration, illustrated…by Annie Lee, 2006.