Books like To Be a Drum

I watched/listened to a reading of this book by James Earl Jones on "Storyline Online." The story of the movement from enslavement to freedom by Africans brought to America highlights the cultural strength of the people. The drum seems to be a metaphor for the heart of the people and of the earth itself. I found the story and James Earl Jones' majestic reading powerful. However, I think that I would read the book aloud (or listen to the story without the video) first. While I loved the illustrations and the graphics and music on the video (especially the drumbeat), I thought this might be a little distracting for children on their first time reading the story and may take away from the words. However, I would definitely show the video on the second time through and discuss the graphics with the children.