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This Train Is Bound for Glory
All aboard! Rooted in the tradition of an African American spiritual, this mesmerizing picture book 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.
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!
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, readers are invited to write their own version of the song in a spirit of hope, joy, and love for a new generation. The world needs more light. Sing on!
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.
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!
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, readers are invited to write their own version of the song in a spirit of hope, joy, and love for a new generation. The world needs more light. Sing on!
- GenresPicture Books
40 pages, Hardcover
Published June 6, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 20, 2024
This book brings to life the spiritual song, This Train Is Bound for Glory. The illustrations of diverse characters add beauty and depth to the story and song. Kids and adults will enjoy this book.
March 3, 2026
As a Christian children's author and Grammy, I'm drawn to books that connect young readers to rich spiritual heritage while celebrating God's diverse creation. "This Train Is Bound for Glory" by Alice Faye Duncan does both beautifully, bringing a beloved 1922 African American spiritual to vibrant life for a new generation.
All aboard! This mesmerizing picture book takes readers on a cosmic journey to heaven as the Glory Train welcomes singing passengers from all walks of life. Paul Kellam's illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, bringing energy and movement to every page as the train clicks and clacks through scenic deserts, over lush mountains, and across sparkling bridges. The diversity of the passengers reflects the beautiful truth that heaven's invitation is for everyone.
The text snaps and bounces with the rhythm of the spiritual itself: "This train is bound for Glory—this train!" You can't help but feel the excitement building as the Conductor guides the heaven-bound train from Earth to the stars until it reaches those pearly gates, where passengers dance with thrilling joy.
What I love most is the invitation at the end for children to write their own version of the song in a spirit of hope, joy, and love. This transforms the book from a simple read-aloud into an interactive experience that encourages creativity and personal expression of faith.
A must-have for homes, libraries, and classrooms. The world needs more light—and this book shines brightly!
Thanks #PRHChristian @waterbrookmultomahkids @prhchristian for the complimentary review copy of this book!
All aboard! This mesmerizing picture book takes readers on a cosmic journey to heaven as the Glory Train welcomes singing passengers from all walks of life. Paul Kellam's illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, bringing energy and movement to every page as the train clicks and clacks through scenic deserts, over lush mountains, and across sparkling bridges. The diversity of the passengers reflects the beautiful truth that heaven's invitation is for everyone.
The text snaps and bounces with the rhythm of the spiritual itself: "This train is bound for Glory—this train!" You can't help but feel the excitement building as the Conductor guides the heaven-bound train from Earth to the stars until it reaches those pearly gates, where passengers dance with thrilling joy.
What I love most is the invitation at the end for children to write their own version of the song in a spirit of hope, joy, and love. This transforms the book from a simple read-aloud into an interactive experience that encourages creativity and personal expression of faith.
A must-have for homes, libraries, and classrooms. The world needs more light—and this book shines brightly!
Thanks #PRHChristian @waterbrookmultomahkids @prhchristian for the complimentary review copy of this book!
April 23, 2026
A vibrant celebration of people and cultures set to the 'tune' of the spiritual song by the same title. While the pictures are amazing and there is so much to see on each page, there lacks a narrative that helps kids understand what is being said in the story itself.
I love the history of a song and other back matter included in the book, but that almost seemed more interesting than the book itself.
It would be great as a homeschool or classroom resource during Black History Month.
Thank you, #PRHChristian, for the complimentary review copy of this book.
I love the history of a song and other back matter included in the book, but that almost seemed more interesting than the book itself.
It would be great as a homeschool or classroom resource during Black History Month.
Thank you, #PRHChristian, for the complimentary review copy of this book.
August 10, 2023
In a gorgeous extended religious allegory, this beautiful book features people who look all different ways, but they are all together on the Train Bound for Glory. The train is led by a Black conductor or "Jesus" figure, a positive and affirming representation for all for children to see. The lyrical and rhythmic quality of the text makes it a wonderful and uplifting read aloud or bedtime book!
August 22, 2023
This Train Is Bound for Glory is gorgeously illustrated and brings to life this 1920's spiritual song with hope, love, and joy as the conductor takes passengers on the journey of a lifetime. All aboard for this book! It is a must have book for any home and library!
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November 20, 2023A welcome and beautiful addition to the religion section
December 31, 2023
Duncan and Kellam reimagine the spiritual “This Train is Bound for Glory” to bring it to a new audience. Filled with fantastic rhythm found in the words and with representation of all people who all gather on the train found in the colorful illustrations, this book is screaming to be read aloud. Also, I love the addition of the re-writing activity in the back where kids are asked to make their own version of the song.
January 5, 2024
This beautiful book will have you dancing and humming along to the spiritual tune, This Train is Bound for Glory. Diversely rich illustrations shine, as engaging text welcomes all aboard the train. Musical and joyful, this feel-good book is a fun read for everyone.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews