Book: Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Author: Doreen Rappaport
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Copyright Date: 2001
Age Range: 5-8 years old
Lexile: 610
This biography is a beautifully illustrated look at the life and death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This book would be an excellent introduction of Dr. King to a group of children ranging in age
from 5-8 years old. The author, Doreen Rappaport is known for writing about a multicultural
history, where she focuses on not-yet-celebrated American as well as well-known figures.
Here are some other titles that Rappaport write that you could also read along with this title:
Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Keller
Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln
Eleanor: Quiet No More
To Dare Mighty Things: The Life of Theodore Roosevelt
Elizabeth Started All the Trouble
Frederick’s Journey: The Life of Frederick Douglass
Freedom River (also illustrated by Bryan Collier)
When Martin was young and he saw signs that said, “Whites only”; his mother would tell him “you
are as good as anyone”. This encouragement from his mother would help Martin grow up to play
a great part in history during the Civil Rights Movement. Martin was also grew up listening to his
father at church preach which had a profound impact over him. He said, “When I grow up I’m going
to get big words, too”, and he did.
Black Americans protested for equal rights but white politicians ordered them to stop and when they
refused they were arrested. Eventually more Americans were listening and actually understanding
refused they were arrested. Eventually more Americans were listening and actually understanding
what was going on in the South. His words were hear all around the world as they listened to his
dream that all people around the world will one day treat each other as brothers and sisters no
matter the color of their skin.
The author uses a beautiful collage style that draws the reader in with his realistic images. She also
uses King’s original text from writing and speeches. This book is a great way to introduce a young
one to an historical figure and an important time in history.
I love how the author uses King's original text in the book and varied the fonts. I'm sure this style would appeal to youth. The illustrator has done an amazing job capturing Dr. Martin Luther King's spirit. I wondered why the illustration format seemed so familiar and then I realized Bryan Collier also illustrated "Trombone Shorty." You could easily set up an author study display with Rappaport titles as well as an illustrator display with Bryan Collier titles. Collier illustrated "Barack Obama: Son of Promise," "Between the Lines," "Knock Knock: My Dad's Dream For Me," "Hey Black Child," and many others."
ReplyDeleteBryan Collier does great work!
ReplyDeleteThis is a book that I regularly have on display January through February. It's beautifully illustrated and the use of Dr. King's own words through out the book, with the different fonts, shows, to me, a representation of the different times of his life. This is a book in which you could study the words themselves separately, or the illustrations all on their own. I would love to see books like this being used in Art classes for kids. Having them try some of the different styles and create moments out of their own lives. I feel that connections like that can go a long way for children, especially if they can see themselves in Dr. King's eyes. Giving them a chance to see how far we've come, as well as how far we still have to go.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't let me put in my name for some reason.
Delete-Jayne