Module 12- SLIS 5420

Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

By  Doreen Rappaport

Rappaport, D. (2001). Martin’s big words: The life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. New York: Jump at the Sun/Hyperion Books for Children.

Summary

This book is a wonderful representation of Dr. King’s life and his passion for civil rights and the movement towards equality for African Americans. The story is told chronologically from the time Martin was a young boy through the events of his death. It depicts his life work and importance in a way that younger children can understand and relate to. Beautiful illustrations help to create a classic children’s picture book.

Impressions

This is a fabulous book because it tells the very important life story of Dr. King in a way that elementary aged students can understand. It’s so vital that our students grasp the reasons that he was and still is such a major figure in our American history. I think it’s a very difficult concept for kids to grasp that things were not always the way they are now for African Americans, and they need to be able to relate, as best they can, to how hard life was before the civil rights movement. I think this book does a wonderful job of conveying the work of Dr. King in a kid-friendly way.

Reviews

Elegant and accessible, this powerful homage to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and beliefs is illustrated with glorious collage art made of cut paper, photographs, and watercolors. The narrative is interspersed with quotes from King himself and raises questions about oppression, prejudice, racism, and overcoming violence in nonviolent ways. An evocative introduction to the man who championed racial equality and who "taught others to fight with words, not fists."

Ralston, J. (2003). Martin's Big Words (Book). School Library Journal, 49(10), 98.

The author relies on her subject's own words, and his power, passion and pacifism shine through. Collier's (Uptown) striking watercolor and cut paper collage art feature closely focused, lifelike images of King and other individuals against an inventive montage of patterns and textures. The portraits of King exude his spiritual strength and peaceful visage. In the background of some scenes are intricate recreations of stained glass windows, which, Collier explains in an introductory note, he interprets as a metaphor for King's life. An elegant, understated pictorial biography.

Roback, D., Brown, J. M., Britton, J., & Zaleski, J. (2001). Martin’s big words (Book Review). Publishers Weekly, 248(41), 64.

Suggestions for Use

I have used this book during Black History month to explain the importance of Martin Luther King, Jr. in our history. I think most children have heard of him at a young age, but do not really understand who he was or what he did for our country. I used the video version of the book and before showing it, asked the students what they could tell me about Dr. King. We watched the video version of the story, which is very impactful. The narrator, Michael Clark Duncan, has a very powerful and impressive voice, which lends itself very well to the importance of the story. After watching, I asked the students to tell me again why Dr. King was so important, and the responses were very different. They really seemed to “get it” and appreciate his contributions to our society.