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This Train Is Bound for Glory (On sale 6/6/23)
A WaterBrook Hardcover Picture Book by
Award-Winning Author Alice Faye Duncan; illustrated by Paul Kellam

Inspired by One of the Most Beloved African American Spirituals—Award-Winning Author Alice Faye Duncan Brings Young Readers on a Cosmic and Rhythmic Journey to Heaven

*This Vibrant Picture Book Arrives Just in Time to Honor Juneteenth & African American Music Appreciation Month (June)

All aboard! Rooted in the tradition of an African American spiritual, This Train is Bound for Glory (WaterBrook; On- sale 6/6/23) by award-winning author Alice Faye Duncan is a mesmerizing and rhythmic picture book that takes readers on a cosmic journey to heaven, celebrating the diversity of life at every stop along the way. 

The vivid illustrations and snappy text in This Train Is Bound for Glory bring the Glory Train to life as it welcomes singing passengers. The excitement is palpable as the train clicks and clacks through scenic deserts, over lush mountains, and across sparkling bridges. Under the guidance of the watchful Conductor, the heaven-bound train bops and bounces from Earth to the stars until it reaches the pearly gates, where passengers dance with thrilling joy. 
 
“I want to introduce children and families to spirituals, which are original American music and also give them a joyful story about heaven and all of its golden possibilities,” Alice says on writing This Train is Bound for Glory.
 
She notes that it’s an “allegory about heaven and just like on the journey to heaven, there are different cultures and personalities along for the ride. But unlike the world, the people on the Glory Train live and sing in unity, love, and celebration. There is no strife, division, sadness, poverty or war on this train. Just love and good feelings.”
 
The history of “This Train is Bound for Glory” dates back to 1922 as a popular recording. The lyrics have evolved across the ages. At the end of the book, young readers can learn about the rich history and meaning of this iconic song. An activity guide is also included to help them write their own version of the song in a spirit of hope, joy, and love for a new generation.

This train is bound for Glory—this train!
This train is bound for Glory—this train!
This train is bound for Glory.
Everybody here is a-rocking and a-rolling.
This train is bound for Glory—this train!

With its exuberant and hopeful energy, This Train is Bound for Glory, is sure to capture hearts of all ages and makes a fun gift for children’s baptisms and baby dedications, as well as Christmas and throughout the year.

Longtime teaching librarian and award-winning author Alice Faye Duncan—who has appeared on PBS and written for the Dallas Morning News—is available to talk on:
-How she was inspired to write the picture book This Train is Bound for Glory and how it’s a joyful expression about life, death, and the power of music
-The powerful and rich 100-year history of the iconic song “This Train is Bound for Glory” and its special meaning for African Americans during Juneteenth and throughout the year
-The significance of African American spirituals and how they speak of unity, determination and faith in a brighter future
-How young readers, parents and other caregivers can use the questions and activity guide in the back of the book to create their own versions of this song in a spirit of hope, joy, and love for a new generation.
-How we join with the love of heaven when we celebrate the wonderful diversity of all people around the world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Alice Faye Duncan has written a dozen books for children including the new picture book This Train is Bound for Glory (WaterBrook; on sale 6/6/23). She writes for the love of music and the inspiring magic of words. Some of her picture books include A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks, Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free, and Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop, which received a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor. Her books have been nominated for numerous honors, including two NAACP Image Awards.
 
She served as a teaching librarian for 29 years and has been featured on numerous media outlets including PBS and Dallas Morning News. Alice lives in Memphis, Tennessee, where in her early years, her mother nurtured her creative spark for writing with paper, pens, and poetry books. She also enjoys the gospel music heard in Memphis area churches on streets and on the radio throughout the area. Visit her at alicefayeduncan.com and Instagram.com/alicefayewrites / https://www.facebook.com/alicefayeduncan

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: Paul Kellam is a freelance watercolor illustrator based in Florida. His art brings vitality and color to books such as Antonello Mellow Fellow. He earned his bachelor’s in media arts and animation from The Art Institute. Paul enjoys spending quality time with his younger sisters and close friends. 

Juvenile Fiction - People & Places - United States - African American & Black; Juvenile Fiction - Transportation - Railroads & Trains; Juvenile Fiction - Religious - Christian - Inspirational

ISBN 9780593578247 ● Hardcover ● 40 pages ● $14.99 / $20.49 CAN
eBook: ISBN: 9780593578254 ● $14.99/$20.49 CAN

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Brett Benson