Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Monday, January 17, 2004, millions of Americans will observe the national holiday honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the legacy of tolerance, peace, and equality. Dr. King encouraged Americans to come together to strengthen communities, alleviate poverty, and acknowledge dignity and respect for all human beings. Service, he realized, was the great equalizer. An exercept from one of his famous speeches is as following: "one of the great liabilities of history is that all too many people fail to remain awake through great periods of social change. But today our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant, and face the challenge of change." (Website at www.thekingcenter.org/.)

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Reviews

100 Greatest African Americans: A Biographical Encyclopedia
Molefi Kete Asante
   Throughout American history African-Americans have made significant contributions across a broad spectrum of fields. Who cannot be moved by the poetry of Gwendolyn Brooks? What audience can fail to be touched by the words of playwright Lorraine Hansberry as epitomized by her masterwork A Raisin in the Sun? Who can overlook the courage necessary for men such as Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali to not only excel in professional sports but also make a brave political stand? In the political domain, can the influence of people such as Colin Powell, Malcolm X, and Dr. Martin Luther King upon the course of modern American history be refuted? Here, in Molefi Kete Asante's encyclopedic approach to 100 African-Americans who left their stamp upon American history, readers will be afforded the opportunity to learn about familiar and unfamiliar people who helped shape their fields. In each of the 100 selections the author does a capable job of highlighting the lives of the individuals in question. Mention is made of significant works, events, and efforts as well as the barriers many of these people had to overcome. The individuals chosen span a variety of fields inclusive of the arts, politics, civil rights advocacy, sports, and media. This biographical encyclopedia represents an exhaustive amount of research and is a valuable reference book that opens doors to people and events of importance. 2002, Prometheus Books, Ages 12 up, $49.00. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 1-57392-963-8

50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet
Dennis Denenberg and Lorraine Roscoe
  Some of the heroes featured in this excellent text are quite well known, such as Clara Barton, Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. Entries about more obscure heroes, such as Ida B. Wells and Elizabeth Blackwell, are sure to enlighten readers. The heroes represent and celebrate the diversity of this country; and so white, black, Asian, Native and Hispanic Americans are included. In addition, women and men from all periods of this nation's history are represented. Each hero is allotted two pages. Under each hero's name, dates of birth and death are listed, as is a brief caption summarizing his or her unique contribution. Additional books about each hero are listed. The easy-to-read text and black-and-white photos combine to make this a valuable resource for middle school children. 2001, The Millbrook Press, $29.09. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati, J.D. (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-7613-1612-4

Free at Last!: The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Angela Bull
  A nicely written first biography of the great civil rights hero, Martin Luther King, Jr. My eight-year-old read it and stopped me several times with "And listen to this, Mom!" Nice illustrations, lots of photos and sidebars, and an index and glossary are included. Part of the "Dorling Kindersley Readers" series. 2000, DK Publishing, Inc., $12.95. Ages 8 to 10. Reviewer: A. Braga
ISBN: 0-7894-5716-4
ISBN: 0-7894-5717-2

Hard Revolution
George Pelecanos
Read by Charles Canada
   This novel gives us background and information on the early life of Pelecanos's character, Derek Strange. Strange is a young police officer at the time Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. is assassinated. Strange must deal with the anger his people feel toward all police officers and the charges of "Tom-ism" leveled at the few black policeman breaking the barriers of segregation on the Washington police force. Fiction mixes seamlessly with fact in this production. Strange's mother and father, skillfully drawn, salt-of-the-earth parents, must face the death of Derek's errant older brother. Derek is determined to avenge his brother's death but also to stay within the bounds of the law. Brutal and vicious characters and action are in no short supply in Pelecanos's novels, but neither are decent, noble, even heroic ones. Narrator Canada gives a great performance that straddles an ethnic mix of characters. Following the death of his brother, Strange is swept into policing the riotous looters who descend into the streets of Washington following King's assassination. The meticulous account of the riots seems well researched and offers insight into this historically perilous time. Category: Fiction Audiobooks. KLIATT Codes: SA--Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2004, Sound Library, BBC Audiobooks America, 8 cds. 10.5 hrs.; Vinyl; plot, author, reader notes., $79.95. Ages 15 to adult. Nancy Chaplin (KLIATT Review, September 2004 (Vol. 38, No. 5)).
ISBN: 0-7927-3185-9

I've Seen the Promised Land: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Walter Dean Myers
Illustrated by Leonard Jenkins
   This work details the life, career, and death of Martin Luther King, Jr. Starting with King's birth and later pastoral career, Myers highlights some of the central civil rights battles in which King was engaged. The work also discusses King's liberal and pacifistic principles, including Gandhi's influence on King's beliefs and King's disagreement with Malcolm X. The pictures complement the ideological content by depicting protestors, peace signs, political graffiti, police, and police dogs. Jenkins's brushstrokes frequently add as much texture as color to each image, often creating a desire to touch the page. His choice of colors deepens the emotional power of his work. Yellows give a divine touch to certain images while a bright purple tends to charge tense images. The book includes in the work's illustrated end papers a chronology of the major events in King's life. 2004, HarperCollins Publishers, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. K. C. Manus (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0060277041

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
David A. Adler
Illustrated by Colin Bootman
   Designated a Level 2 book in the "Holiday House Readers" series, this entry emphasizes Martin Luther King's strong character, which was partially instilled in him by a strong minister father who believed in the rights of all people. Adler enlivens the early pages with a few well-chosen anecdotes and moves readers through King's education and marriage to his involvement in civil rights, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, his speech at the March on Washington, and what he earned as a result--the Nobel Peace Prize, the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. His untimely death and the national holiday in his honor conclude the book. Text is arranged on the page to look inviting, and Bootman's dark watercolor illustrations lend a solemn dignity to the story. "Important dates" arranged sequentially but not in a timeline and a list of four sources end the book. There is no index. This is a useful addition to school libraries. 2001, Holiday House, $14.95. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-8234-1572-4
Best Books:
   Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States

Martin Luther King
Rosemary Bray
Illustrated by Malach Zeldis
  Even from the first page, the author makes readers aware of the segregationist environment that surrounded Martin from birth. She chronicles dramatic events that led to Martin's mission while colorful folk-art painting convey Martin's life with equal poignancy. 1995, Greenwillow, $16.00 and $15.93. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Children's Literature)
ISBN:0-688-13131-X
ISBN:0-688-13132-8

Martin Luther King, Jr.
Christy Devillier
   Children who read this book about Martin Luther King, Jr. will appreciate the struggles and triumphs that he faced throughout his historic life. The author presents interesting and rarely known facts about Dr. King, such as how he skipped grades 9 and 11 because he was such a good student. Throughout the book there are several highlighted terms relevant to the Civil Rights movement that are defined in the back of the book. Short 2 to 4-page chapters are written at a low reading level and printed in a large font size to facilitate access for beginning readers. There are wonderful photographs and illustrations depicting Dr. King's life along with a timeline of his life, related web sites and an index for quick reference. Overall, it is a well-written account that will inform young researchers about this great American hero. It is part of ABDO's Buddy Books "First Biographies" series. 2001, ABDO Publishing, $21.35. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Melissa A. Caudill (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 1-57765-592-3

Martin Luther King, Jr.
Lucia Raatma
   Martin Luther King Jr. made history in his struggle for civil rights. He was not only a great speaker and believer in a better world, but someone who believed all mankind could live in peace. He spent his life working for the betterment of all people. In her book, Lucia Raatma provides the young reader with a picture of this amazing man and his life. With photographs and simple language, Ms. Raatma can do what many have difficulty doing, explain the wonder and greatness of this man without confusing a young reader. Her simple explanations of his power and the moments surrounding this time in our history make the book a good choice for any classroom or media center collection. Through her words, Ms. Raatma is able to convey the reverence both supporters and detractors held for Martin Luther King Jr. She shows that he not only changed the minds of regular citizens but of Presidents and heads of state. While the book is written for younger children, Ms. Raatma does not sugar coat how blacks were treated during this time. Included in the book are a glossary and a timeline. "The Want to Know More" section is made up of books, web sites and places children can go to learn more about the struggle for civil rights. Part of the "Compass Point Early Biographies" series. 2002, Compass Point Books, $19.93. Ages 4 to 10. Reviewer: John D. Orsborn (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-7565-0114-8

Martin Luther King, Jr.
Lola M. Schaefer
  Like Mahatma Ghandi and Cesar Chavez, Martin Luther King, Jr. wanted changes to better the lives of his people. He wanted to end segregation and he wanted to do it without violence. He became a minister and worked hard for laws that would treat people equally regardless of their ethnic backgrounds or skin color. He and the Civil Rights Movement succeeded. This beginning biography tells the story, but omits the fact that he was assassinated and never references his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Black-and-white photographs accompany the text. Definitions, a short bibliography with Internet sites, and an index round out this mini-biography. Part of the "Famous Americans" series. 1999, Pebble Books/Capstone, $13.25. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-7368-0111-1

Martin Luther King, Jr.
Pamela Walker
   Part of the "Welcome Books Real People" line, Martin Luther King Jr. is one of six titles that introduces the youngest readers to biographies. This is a nicely designed series that features an African-American who is celebrated each January and throughout the year for his civil rights activities. The 24-page format and small, square trim size make the books easy for little hands to hold. The text is consistently placed. One or two sentences in large, plain type face the bleed-to-the-edge photographs or full-color art. The illustrations reinforce the narrative rather than enhance. Emergent readers can choose from a variety of multicultural personalities and historical figures. Each title has seven sections. The first three are devoted to the subject's life. "New Words" defines words outside the controlled vocabulary. "To Find Out More" lists further reading and web sites. The last page consists of the index and professional references. The "Real People" series has one flaw. Readers who can decode words like "African-Americans" deserve meatier material than, for example, "many people liked his speeches." 2001, Children's Press, $13.50. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Candice Ransom (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-516-23436-6
ISBN: 0-516-23590-7

Martin Luther King Jr.: Civil Rights Leader and Nobel Prize Winner
Andrew Santella
   I was fortunate enough to be standing below the podium at the Lincoln Memorial on that hot August day in 1963. I was close enough so that I could look up and see Martin Luther King's face as he delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It was truly a magnifying experience. The author covers this event and gives a detailed description of Dr. King's early childhood. In many instances he was just like other children. He delivered newspapers, loved sports and did well in school. However, he learned at an early age of the unfairness of discrimination. As he grew older he studied about Mohandas Gandhi and how he led the struggle for independence of his people. When Rosa Parks was arrested for not giving up her seat to a white man, he lead a boycott of the buses in Montgomery, Alabama. It took a year but the boycott was a success. The United States Supreme Court ruled that segregated buses in Alabama were illegal. This evolved to further nonviolent protests throughout the south. The Congress of the United States eventually passes the Civil Right Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination in schools, work and public places. For his efforts in bringing about change through nonviolence, Dr. King received The Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He continued his work to end injustice against African Americans until his assassination in 1968. His life is a true example of how changes can be made to improve lives without violence. This is part of the "Journey to Freedom, The African American Library Series." All books in the series include a timeline of events and a glossary. 2004, The Child's World, $28.50. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Leila Toledo (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 1-5676-6539-X

Martin Luther King, Jr.: Man of Peace
Patricia McKissack and Fredrick McKissack
    This revised edition of the McKissacks' simple and eloquent biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. provides a just-right introduction to the man's life, times and legacy for emerging chapter book readers. The authors deftly trace King's life from his childhood in Atlanta, where he was nicknamed "Tweed" for his fondness of tweed suits, through his nonviolent struggle for civil rights. Included are the Montgomery, Alabama, bus strike following Rosa Park's arrest for non-compliance with segregation laws, the formation of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, his "I have a dream" speech, his award of the Nobel Peace Prize and finally his tragic assassination. This is an inspirational presentation of King's achievements, avoiding discussion of any complexities or controversies over King's character (as seems appropriate for this age group of readers). Children should come away from it both humbled and inspired by the power of one man's vision to overcome injustice. Attractively illustrated with black-and-white photographs (including a starkly striking one of a segregated trolley car), the book also includes a helpful time line, glossary, bibliography and index. 2001 (orig. 1991), Enslow, Ages 7 to 11, $14.95. Reviewer: Claudia Mills (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-7660-1678-1

Martin Luther King, Jr. and the March on Washington
Frances E. Ruffin
Illustrated by Stephen Marchesi
   In August of 1963, 250,000 people came to Washington D.C. to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation (Jan 1, 1863), but black people were still not treated the same as whites. The crowd marched to the Lincoln Memorial and the people sang and listened to speeches. One of the speakers was Martin Luther King, Jr. He had grown up in the South and had first-hand experience with segregation. He has been active as a protester but eschewed violence. He told people "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin..." One year later, the Civil Rights Act of 1994 was passed, which no longer allowed people to be set apart just because of their skin color. Part of the "All Aboard Reading" series. 2001, Grosset & Dunlap, $13.89 and $3.99. Ages 6 to 9. Reveiwer: Charlie Wyman (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-448-42424-X
ISBN: 0-448-42421-5

Martin Luther King, Jr.: Minister and Civil Rights Leader
Brendan January
   Author Brenda January chronicles the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. from birth to death but focuses on his humanity and concern for the rights of others. She presents King as a man of compassion but also one full of righteous indignation at the plight of his people. Young people have only heard of King and not known him, so they need this picture of the real man and what he did for all our personal freedoms. What comes as a surprise in this particular biography is the inclusion of career information for those interested in exploring a career as a protestant minister. At first, the information seems to be misplaced--coming at the end of a powerful, moving biography. Yet, at closer observation, the concept makes sense. What better way to introduce a career than by introducing a person who has succeeded at that career? The book also includes a timeline of King's life, Web links and other sources of information about King and about the ministry, an index, credits for the photographs that accompany the text, and a table of contents. The book is part of the "Ferguson Career Biographies" series. 2000, Ferguson Publishing, $16.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: J. B. Petty (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-894343-42-4

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jill Foran
   In straightforward text illustrated with photographs, the volumes in this American Holidays series cover holidays, including Columbus Day, Presidents' Day, and Memorial Day. The large print as well as the generous use of white space makes this book suitable with younger children. After a brief introduction to Dr. King's life and work, including the words to his "I have a dream" speech, the author, who is Canadian, explains how the holiday was first created. A list of books and websites for further study as well as the simple index and glossary will assure independent use in the classroom or library. The recipe for Church Social Yeast Biscuits and the two simple crafts (a mobile and milk carton buses) suggested for Martin Luther King Jr. Day projects will be less useful. Recommended for schools or community groups seeking to introduce the holiday or for library research by younger children. Others wishing a good classroom read-aloud about Dr. King might prefer Martin Luther King, Jr., Civil Rights Hero (Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 2002) or Martin's Big Words (Hyperion, 2001). 2004, Weigl Publishers Inc, $22.80. Ages 7 to 12. Augusta Scattergood (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1590361679

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Helen Frost
   As the opening note to parents and teachers states--the "National Holidays" series supports national social studies standards related to understanding events that celebrate the values and principles of American democracy. That said, this book successfully explains why and how we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Full-color illustrations present the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the celebration of his holiday. The concluding pages contain a short glossary, a few books and Internet sites and a word list/index. 2000, Pebble Books/Capstone, $13.25. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-7368-0543-5

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Honoring a Man of Peace
Carol Gnojewski
   This short book presents a surprisingly comprehensive view of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the holiday celebrating his birth. It begins with a description of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, established in the motel where King was killed. The section about his childhood and education emphasizes the prevalence of the Jim Crow Laws. His admiration of Mahatma Gandhi and his commitment to bringing about peaceful change is described. His participation in civil rights demonstrations resulted in more than 200 arrests, but he continued to believe in his cause. The marches on Washington, D.C. and his "I Have a Dream" speech are mentioned, although the text of the speech is not included. The struggle to have his birthday honored as a national holiday is described. In 1994, President Clinton asked people to use the holiday to help others and some examples of appropriate activities are presented. Numerous file photographs appear throughout, giving the book the appearance of a family album. An art activity for a Circle of Friendship, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index make this a good resource for reports on King or his holiday. Part of the "Finding Out About Holidays" series. 2002, Enslow Publishers, $18.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-7660-1574-2

Martin Luther King, Jr.
Adele Q. Brown
   Martin Luther King Jr. was one of America's greatest men. Though his family was better off financially than most Black families in the South, King nevertheless fought tirelessly to gain the equality, dignity, and respect that are due to all mankind. He was greatly influenced by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and the nonviolent confrontation that ultimately won independence for India from Great Britain. King adapted Gandhi's principles, as well as those of Henry David Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience" message, and applied them to the struggle for civil rights in the United States. He helped organize the Alabama bus boycott and many other peaceful marches that energized the Civil Rights movement. His "I Have a Dream" speech--given from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., will forever rank as one of the most inspired speeches of our time. His assassination, on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, was not a surprise, even to King himself. In his last speech, he said, "Like anybody I would like to live a long life...I may not get there with you." Part of World Almanac Library's "Trailblazers of the Modern World" series, a timeline, glossary, list of further resources, and index are included. A great introduction to the life of a great American. 2004, World Almanac Library, $21.95. Ages 10 to 14. Christopher Moning (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8368-5251-6

Martin Luther King, Jr.
Christine Hatt
   What an interesting book. The first six, short chapters give an exceptional amount of information about Martin Luther King Jr. To emphasize the selected messages, events, and dates for the reader, the author uses color to highlight the text. The photographs selected to accompany the text capture both the hope and despair of the individuals fighting for civil rights. This is a book explaining the events that led up to the death of Martin Luther King Jr. The last section of the book, which I found to be most interesting, is called, "Judge for Yourself." Readers are asked such questions as "Preacher or Politician?" and "Free at Last-Reality or Illusions?" The author then provides information for both sides of the argument. Once the sources and opinions are read, the reader is asked to make the decision himself. This book would be outstanding choice for introducing debates in a classroom or for classroom discussions before a writing activity. The research has already been done for the student. There are a total of five of these questions, all of which make the reader think both critically and objectively. A glossary, map and index are also included. 2004, World Almanac Library, $31.93. Ages 10 up. Kathie M. Josephs (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8368-5565-5

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Doreen Rappaport
Illustrations by Brian Collier
   Beautiful it its simplicity, this small biography of Martin Luther King shines forth. Rappaport's text portrays King's childhood in two pages with his discovery that in spite of the "whites only" signs, his mother's words that "You are as good as anyone" would sustain him. When he sang hymns and read from the Bible in church, he vowed that he would grow up to "get big words." His career as a minister, being influenced by Gandhi, participation in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and subsequent civil rights marches, winning the Nobel Peace Prize, threats to his family and his death are touched upon. Each short paragraph ends with a memorable quote relevant to the subject of the page and many are familiar to adult readers. Instead of drawing from the "I have a dream" speech the quote about judging people by the content of their character, the author has selected-- "I have a dream that one day in Alabama little black boys and black girls will join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers." It is more accessible to the intended audience, if less ringing and memorable to the adult reader. Collier's stunning collage and bold watercolor illustrations are layered with meanings, textures, light and shadow. Stained glass windows, which appear in many of the illustrations, serve multiple symbolic purposes including providing light and a way of looking past where you are, says the illustrator in a front note. This is obviously a work of great care and love for the subject, a fine introduction and a fitting tribute to the Dr. King and his work. A chronology of important dates includes 1986 when Dr. King's birthday became a national holiday, and a fine selection of additional readings and web sites are suggested. 2001, Jump at the Sun/Hyperion, $16.49 and $15.99. Ages 4 to 9. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 078682591X

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Doreen Rappaport
Illustrations by Brian Collier
   Yes, there have been a million biographies of Martin Luther King, Jr., but there's something special about Doreen Rappaport and Bryan Collier's Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year it deservedly won both Coretta Scott King and Newbery honor awards. The uniqueness of this book is apparent before you ever open it; the cover bears only a large, smiling, monochromatic illustration of Martin Luther King. The title, author and illustrator are on the back. Opening to the end flaps, one sees the thoughtfulness, artistry and intriguing contrast of brightness and monochromes in Collier's stained glass window collage. His illustrations continue to compel readers through the book. The text begins with notes by author and illustrator. Rappaport notes that she was inspired by King's words, which were simple and direct, yet profound and poetic. Collier explains his use of stained glass as metaphors that blaze out at you like beams of light. The multicolors symbolize multi races...and allow you to look past where you are. The book's combination of text, layout and illustrations have a powerful emotional impact. Rappaport's spare style and prosaic words serve as a background to highlight King's quotations. These appear on every page, emphasized with color and size. Quotations like, "Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that," could be read alone to show King's life, message and legacy. Rappaport's rhythmic, simplistic statements seem inspired by King's rousing sermons and are a tribute to both the man and his vision. 2001, Hyperion, $15.99. Ages 5 up. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Children's Literature)
Best Books:
   The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
   Booklist: Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2001; American Library Association; United States
   Books About Relationships and Community-Building, 2002; Children's Book Council; United States
   Capitol Choices, 2001; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
   Children's Books of Distinction, 2002; Riverbank Review; United States
   Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
   New York Times Notable Books, 2001; New York Times; United States
   Notable Books for Children, 2002; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
   Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young Readers, 2002; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
   School Library Journal Book Review Stars, October 2001; Cahners; United States
   School Library Journal: Best Books, 2001; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
   Coretta Scott King Awards Honor Book 2002 Illustrator United States
   New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Year Winner 2001 United States
   Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children Honor 2002 United States
   Randolph Caldecott Medal Honor Book 2002 United States
State Reading Lists:
   Black-Eyed Susan Book Award Nominees, 2003; Maryland
   Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2003; Kentucky
ISBN: 0-7868-0714-8
ISBN: 0-7868-2591-X

My Dream of Martin Luther King
Faith Ringgold
  In this striking and unique picture book biography of Martin Luther King, the author/illustrator uses a first person, child-like voice to describe some of the main events and accomplishments of the leader's life, within the framework of a dream. The distinctive, large format illustrations also have a child-like, dream-like quality. In spite of this perspective, the struggles of his life and his tragic death are not glossed over. A bibliography and timeline of his life are included. 1995, Crown, $17.00 and $18.99. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan, Ph.D. (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-517-59976-7
ISBN: 0-517-59977-5

Our Century in Pictures, for Young People
Richard B. Stolley
   Reflections are meant to be deeply felt and thought provoking, allowing readers to draw out their own emotions and conclusions. LIFE Magazine has collected and presented to young adults a conglomeration of pictures and essays written by honored children's writers to enable them to experience the events and understand the people who shaped the Twentieth Century. The book portrays pinnacle events and honored achievements through a timeline of pictures to give readers not only the facts but also the feelings these pictures represent. This archive of pictures is assembled into nine eras defining the United States in the Twentieth Century, highlighting the best and worst of human accomplishments. It ranges from the people venturing 'Across the Threshold' in the early 1900s to defining 'Ourfuture.com' at the century's culmination, and highlights the lifetime achievements of Americans like Albert Einstein and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who passed along the way. The colored pages of pictures and the subtext illustrate the changing times in terms of science, the arts, discovery, and destruction. Hopefully readers will grasp the greatness of these people and the magnitude of these events as they were experienced and make their own reflections on the passing times. This book is a collector's piece for any library or a coffee table book that might spark in-depth conversation for the entire family. It is a great way for children to truly understand their history and a great tool to help parents explain what really happened. 2000, Little Brown and Company, All Ages, $25.95. Reviewer: Christine Ballard
ISBN: 0-316-81589-6

Thank You, Dr. King!
Robin Reed
Illustrations by Dan Kanemoto
   Little Bill made a Friendship Flower in school for Dr. Martin Luther King Day. The flowers were to thank Dr. King for making sure that everyone could go to school together, play together, and grow together. He brought it home and showed it to Alice the Great. She had something to show little Bill. It was a scrapbook to honor Dr. King and to remember Dr. King's important dream. Little Bill helped paste the pictures and learned things from Alice the Great, such as working together to make the world a better place, trying to solve problems without fighting, and loving each other even though we look different from one another. Little Bill thought about how he could do better in his own relationships. He pasted his Friendship Flower on an empty page so that everybody could see it and make Dr. King's dream come true. Alice the Great thanked him for being a "super helper." This book is part of "A Nick Jr." series created by Bill Crosby. 2003, Simon and Schuster, $3.50. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer Naomi Butler (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-689-85242-8

Walking to the Bus-Rider Blues
Harriette Gillem Robinet
   This novel recounts the turbulent events of the late 1950s that sparked the American civil rights movement. In Montgomery, Alabama, things haven't been the same since Rosa Parks, a black woman, refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white person. The black community, and some white folks, have been boycotting bus rides ever since. This places a hardship on Alfa, who at twelve years of age helps to support his family by working at a grocery store. But Alfa understands that the community must stand together if they are to overthrow the System, a system that casually treats African-Americans as something less than human. Alfa has other problems, too. His main worry is coming up with the rent money each month, but he is also concerned about Big Mama, his great grandmother and guardian. Even though she is very old and sometimes loses her way, Big Mama refuses to ride the bus. And when money is missing from a wealthy white man's house that Alfa and his family cleaned, suspicion falls on Alfa and his family. In the midst of this turmoil, a young clergyman named Martin Luther King gives rousing speeches that bolster the movement's resolve. And at the end of this finely layered novel, the ray of hope that means equality for all mankind shines a little brighter. 2000, Atheneum, $16.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Christopher Moning (Children's Literature)
Best Books:

   The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
   Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
   Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
   Jane Addams Book Award Honor Book 2001 Longer Book United States
State Reading Lists:
   Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award, 2003; Illinois
   Rhode Island Children's Book Award, 2003; Rhode Island
   William Allen White Children's Book Award, 2002-2003; Kansas
ISBN: 0-689-83191-9

Witness to Our Times: My Life as a Photojournalist
Flip Schulke, with Matt Schudel
   Schulke has been taking pictures since 1947. Using a Kodak Brownie Special camera, he started taking pictures and selling reprints when he was in high school. He is best known for his sensitive photographs taken inside the civil rights movement. He states that Martin Luther King, Jr. was the greatest man he ever met. He called him "Doc" and treasured the friendship they shared. Recording an event without becoming part of the action is difficult and Schulke credits King with teaching him this lesson which has stood him in good stead for all these years. Flip estimates that he has shot about 500,000 images in his career. In addition to his coverage of the civil rights movement, he has photographed such famous people as Muhammad Ali, Elvis Presley, Fidel Castro, John F. Kennedy, and Myrlie Evers. He has taken pictures underwater, in space training simulators, in fair weather, and in hurricanes. He has traveled throughout the world to document history in action. Many of his award winning photographs are reproduced in the book. Most are in black and white. Schulke prefers the more dramatic impact of contrasts that are possible in this medium. The few color pieces that are included also exemplify his love of contrasting elements. A bibliography of books written by Schulke and a couple of Web sites are listed for further study. A table of contents and an index aid in finding specific information. 2003, Cricket Books, $19.95. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-8126-2682-6

Ring Out Freedom!: The Voice of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Making of the Civil Rights Movement
Fredrik Sunnemark
   The rhetorical inspiration of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s voice came from many different sources: his racial and cultural background, his education, his religious upbringing and his own unique voice. Sunnemark is a Swedish scholar in cultural studies, yet he does an academic study of King's use of the English language. Through his analysis of King's speeches, Sunnemark traces King's development as a young minister to the leader of the African American movement for civil rights. He looks at specific rhetorical techniques, such as the use of allusions, analogies, repetition, and adapting the same message to different audiences. The book is written at a high level and is supplemented by many notes, index and complete bibliography. Category: Literature & Language Arts. KLIATT Codes: A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. 2004, Indiana Univ. Press, 273p. notes. bibliog. index., $19.95. Ages 17 to adult. Nola Theiss (Kliatt Review, May 2004 (Vol. 38, No. 3)).
ISBN: 0253343763

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Updated 12/15/04

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