Martin's Big Words (bk 1) (40 pgs)

Rappaport, Doreen (2002). Illus. Bryan Collier. Martin’s big words. New York, NY. Scholastic, Inc.

Summary:
Martin’s Big Words describes the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as seen through the eyes of a participant in the Civil Rights Movement. This book chronicles the life of Dr. King as well as the major events of the Civil Rights Movement. At a young age Dr. King says his father, a minister, has big words and states that one day he too will have big words. Martin’s Big Words describes how he goes about finding those big words within himself. It also describes the steps taken by Dr. King to rally support for the movement as well as the danger he placed himself in by doing so. The author also talks about Rosa Parks and other major figures of the movement and explains their role in Dr. King’s life and dream.
Author: Doreen Rappaport
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Access Features: Author’s Note, Illustrator’s Note, Important Dates
Illustrations: Water color and cut paper collage used to depict scenes of the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life.
Curriculum: Social Studies
Use of book in Classroom: I would use this book as possibly an introduction to a discussion of the Civil Rights Movement or a discussion about Martin Luther King, Jr. It could be used as a resource in a unit on historical figures.
Credibility of Author: In the author’s note, Doreen Rappaport states her experience in marching and protesting during the Civil Rights Movement and gives examples of her readings of Dr. King’s biographies and writings.
Grade Level: K-3
Awards: Jane Addams Children's Book Award
Orbis Pictus Honor Book
Caldecott Honor Book
Coretta Scott King Honor Book
ALA Notable Children's Book
New York Public Library 100 Best Books
Child Magazine, Best Children’s Book Award
New York Times Notable Book of the Year
Best Illustrated Books of the Year Blue Ribbon list, Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Children’s Books of Distinction, Riverbank Review
Children's Choice, Children's Book Council in conjunction with the IRA
National Standards: Social Studies: Standard 5: Individuals, Groups and Institutions; Standard 6: Power, Authority, and Governance

Response:
This book is extremely visual. The illustrations take up most of the pages and are very moving and symbolic. The writing is simplistic in order to keep it within the understanding of younger students, but her words are powerful. She uses Dr. King’s quotes in strategic places in the book to add emphasis to her own words. She paints a powerful picture of the Civil Rights Movement and the people involved. It is a very moving children’s book that would be beneficial in a classroom at any level.