To Be a Drum

By Evelyn Coleman and Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson

Daddy Wes helps his children hear the rhythm of the earth. And with the rhythm begins a story of the “drum,” the pulse which has moved through the African people and through time and place.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Albert Whitman Company
• Release date: Jul 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9781497660625

Evelyn Coleman

Evelyn Coleman’s books include To Be a Drum; White Socks Only; The Riches of Oseola McCarty, a Smithsonian Notable Book and a Carter G. Woodson Honor Book; and Born in Sin. Evelyn lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where she received the Atlanta Mayor’s fellowship for achievement in children’s literature. Visit Evelyn online at EvelynColeman.com.

Reviews for To Be a Drum

[rheasly · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

To Be a Drum artfully tells the tale of the African people, starting with them being brought to America in slave ships up through the Civil War, the Civil Rights era and present day. As an e-book read by James Earl Jones, this story is extremely powerful. He reads it beautifully with great pauses and emotion. It's hard not to love hearing the sound of his voice! To Be a Drum speaks of the pride and independence a people have found despite constant oppression. Ages 4 and up.

[ebrossette · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

To Be A Drum has the rhythm of a poem, and a beautiful message of hope. Daddy Wes, our narrator, takes his children to a field one night and has them listen for the heartbeat of the earth. He explains that this drumming was taken away from black people during colonization. So, black Americans found other ways to keep the drums alive: by drumming on their hands, fighting in wars, fighting for civil rights, and making art. I thought the drum metaphor was beautiful, and the ending scene of Daddy Wes and his children listening to the Earth was a great ending.

[aengolia-414725 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Such an amazing book to depict the strength in African American culture! This is book tells the story of how the drum came about. In this story, the African Americans were taken into slavery and were not allowed to play music. Instead of giving in, they persevered and played music with their hands and feet. This shows the courage in African American culture and their ability to make something from nothing! Such a joy to read (listen to).

[aholli3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I highly enjoyed the language and illustrations of the book. The language was the strongest aspect because it was poetic and meaningful, while also providing a very touching drum metaphor. One quote that I loved was, "You too can be free...become a drum." The reason that I felt this was significant is because the author is referring to slavery, and how slaves deserve to follow the rhythm or beat of their hearts; be free. Additionally, I enjoyed the illustrations because they successfully portrayed how slaves were treated when they were tied up and ordered around. They also showed how free and happy the slaves looked when they allowed their minds and mouths to become a drum-- they began singing together with happiness. The overall message of the story was to listen to your heart, and be free-- listen to the beat of your heart.