Reviewed by: Chris Singer
About the author:
Doreen Rappaport is known for her ground-breaking approach to multicultural history and stories for young readers. In her many award-winning books, she brings attention to not-yet-celebrated Americans, along with well-known figures.
A former teacher of music and reading, Doreen knows how to capture children's attention. Her dynamic formats engage even the most reluctant readers.
Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is an Orbis Pictus Honor Book, Coretta Scott King Honor Book, Caldecott Honor Book for Illustration, ALA Notable Book, and is on the Blue Ribbon list of the Bulletin Center for Children's Books.
We Are The Many: A Picture Book of American Indians, introduces the accomplishments of sixteen distinguished American Indians.
Her classic Escape From Slavery presents the history of the Underground Railroad through adventure stories.
The Boston Coffee Party introduces children to a neglected event in history books and shows the active roles played by women during the Revolutionary War.
About the illustrator:
Bryan Collier, award-winning author and illustrator, has illustrated numerous children's books, including Rosa by Nikki Giovanni which was awarded a Coretta Scott King Award and a Caldecott Honor. He also won a Coretta Scott King Award for Uptown, his first attempt at both writing and illustrating. Collier's latest book he illustrated, Dave The Potter, was just awarded a Caldecott Honor as well.
About the book:
Martin Luther King, Jr., grew up in a place where people used words that made him feel bad. This beautifully illustrated, award-winning book shows how Martin used words to fight for equal rights for black people.
When Martin was growing up, he saw the words "Whites Only" all over town. But he remembered the words of his mother, "You are as good as anyone."
Doreen Rappaport has taken the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. and woven in her own to create a captivating yet completely accessible book for young readers.
This definitive picture book biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is an unforgettable portrait of a man whose dream changed America — and the world — forever.
My take on the book:
Quite simply, an absolutely gorgeous picture book about Martin Luther King Jr. and a perfect introduction to the man and the holiday in which he is remembered by. Author Doreen Rappaport is the author of many beautiful history books for children and had first hand experience with MLK Jr.'s philosophy of nonviolence as a high school student in 1955 during the Montgomery bus boycott, and also as a teacher during the Southern sit-ins of the 60s. This book is a wonderful tribute to a great man and features not only her well-written prose but also features quotes from MLK Jr. himself. The illustrations, by the supremely talented Bryan Collier, accompanying the text are gorgeous and will surely stir up emotions. The beautiful collages near the end of the book are exquisite and very apropos for setting a tone for how influential and important a man MLK Jr. was.
Don't miss the opening notes from the author and illustrator who were clearly inspired by MLK Jr. There's also a page of important dates at the conclusion of the book. This is a must read not only as a celebration of MLK Jr. Day but also as a poignant remembrance of this great man.
Discussion Guide: Download a discussion guide from Scholastic.
