READING RAINBOW is a magazine program for children that introduces a w ide range of educational topics that promote awareness of the world an d inspire reading. In this episode, host LeVar Burton presents a histo ry of slavery in America and explains what life was like for Africans who were brought to America as slaves. Keith David narrates FOLLOW THE DRINKING GOURD, a book written by Jeanette Winter about the secret so ng sung by slaves that revealed the star constellation that would help lead them north when trying to escape from the South. This program al so features African American folk band Sweet Honey in the Rock. Member s discuss their heritage and music and sing a song about freedom. The kids review SHAKE IT TO THE ONE THAT YOU LOVE BEST, SWEET CLARA AND TH E FREEDOM QUILT, and A PICTURE BOOK OF HARRIET TUBMAN.
