In 1964, Sam Cooke‘s iconic anthem “A Change Is Gonna Come” became a song of revolution and protest for generations to come. More than three decades later, the powerful ballad is being reimagined as a picture book that will introduce its message to younger audiences and bring the emotions of the music to life for children.

Sharing the same title as the anthem, the book A Change Is Gonna Come, released Sept. 2 by Little Bee Books, honors the spirit of hope and progress embedded in the song’s haunting lyrics and features evocative illustrations by acclaimed artist Nikkolas Smith, whose work has also appeared in historical pieces such as I Am Ruby Bridges and The 1619 Project: Born on the Water, as well as The History of We. Nicole Cooke-Johnson, Cooke’s granddaughter and head of his estate, oversaw the project’s creative direction.

Cooke’s original message reflected the turbulent reality for Black Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. Considering the country’s current state, the words of the “King of Soul” remain just as urgent and moving today.

The adaptation weaves Cooke’s lyrics into a narrative thread, guiding readers through pivotal civil rights milestones alongside images of Black freedom fighters and historic moments. The book serves as an introduction for young readers to the legacy of social justice and its role in driving change.

Following its release, Blavity spoke with Cooke-Johnson about the book’s impact, the importance of making the story accessible to young readers, and how her grandfather’s words continue to resonate as a lyrical narrative for an era.

Blavity: As Sam Cooke’s granddaughter and steward of his legacy, what inspired you to create a picture book connected to his iconic anthem?

Nicole Cooke-Johnson: Introducing Sam Cooke via formats that keep his music and message alive is always the mission. We ensure its place in the future by making it accessible for young people to discover this song and the power of music. Especially these days, when the younger generation is more aware than ever and asking big questions.

How do you envision this book fitting into the broader mission of preserving and sharing the impact that the song was intended to have? NCJ: Music is a universal language; it crosses generations, cultures, and borders. “A Change Is Gonna Come” carries a message that everyone can feel, no matter their background. This book extends that mission by turning the song into a visual and emotional experience for children, showing them that music is the soundtrack of our experiences, universal to all. This book preserves my grandfather’s message while making it accessible in a form every child can hold in their hands.

How do you hope this book will connect with younger generations who may not yet be familiar with your grandfather’s music and legacy?

NCJ: My hope is that children who read this book will first feel the emotion, the hope, the struggle, the resilience, long before they even know the history. And then, when they hear the song for the first time, it will feel familiar, like a story they already carry inside them. It’s about planting a seed that will grow into appreciation and understanding.

What was it like working with Nikkolas Smith on this project? How did his illustrations enhance the story you wanted to tell?

NCJ: Nikkolas has such a gift for merging art with activism. His illustrations gave the book layers of feeling: joy, struggle, triumph. He made it possible for young readers to feel the song on every page, and that emotional connection is what makes the book so powerful.

In a People magazine interview, Smith mentioned the challenge of balancing the harsh realities of injustice with hope for change. How do you feel this balance was achieved in the book?

NCJ: This book doesn’t shy away from showing that injustice exists, but Nikkolas’ art and the song’s lyrics both carry hope forward. It’s a balance of truth and possibility. Yes, life has struggles, but there’s always light guiding us to something better. That balance makes the book honest but never overwhelming for young readers.

Given how powerful and timeless the song is, what role do you think art and storytelling play in continuing the fight for justice and equality today?

NCJ: Art and storytelling are bridges; they connect generations, cultures and experiences. My grandfather’s song changed hearts because it told a story people could feel. This book continues that tradition, showing that art isn’t just a reflection; it’s a catalyst for change.

What similarities exist between today’s social and political climate and the time when your grandfather released his song, given that the lyrics still have such a polarizing effect?

NCJ: Sadly, many of the struggles Sam sang about still exist today. The fight for equality, for justice, for dignity continues today. That’s why the lyrics remain powerful and sometimes polarizing: They force us to confront uncomfortable truths. But the beauty is they also remind us that progress is possible if we keep moving forward.

What emotions or reflections do you hope readers will take away after reading this book?

NCJ: I hope readers walk away with a mix of hope and determination. For children, I want them to feel inspired that they are capable of being part of change. For adults reading with them, I hope it sparks reflection and conversation, because this isn’t just a bedtime story; it’s a call to keep believing in a better world.

How did you ensure the story remains both historically accurate and accessible for young readers?

NCJ: Nikkolas’ illustrations capture history in a way that’s true but approachable. It’s about finding that balance, respecting the weight of the history while keeping the story open, hopeful and easy for kids to understand. That is why one of my favorite parts of the book is where the historical events and figures featured in the illustrations are explained for young minds.