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Martin Luther King
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/.)
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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