Author: Doreen Rappaport
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Category: Recent Book that Addresses Diversity (Picture Story Book)
The cover of this book is adorned with a close-up illustration of the face of Dr. King, Jr. No words. It is absolutely striking. I selected this book for this category because I really do feel that it belongs in every school library media center collection. As a picture book that addresses diversity, Martin’s Big Words has so much to offer. First, this book is highly acclaimed. It is a Caldecott Honor Book, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book, and the recipient of the 2001 Best Illustrated Children’s Book award from the New York Times Book Review. The illustrations are interesting and unique. The pictures appear to be formed from torn pieces of colorful paper. They are like a feast for the eyes. The book tells the story of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement. It follows him from his life as a little boy in the south during segregation to his rise as a national leader. Martin’s big words were not lengthy, scholarly words – like Bill O’Reilly’s words of the day – meant to impress. No, Martin’s words were heavy, hopeful words from the heart. Martin’s words were love, together, and peace. At the bottom of most pages, a quote from Martin is presented in big, bright, bold letters. I love the page that says Martin “taught others to fight with words, not fists.” What a legacy. The spread that holds these words also has an illustration of a beautiful little girl in front of the American flag on the opposite page. It appears to be illustrated with torn scraps of paper, woven together into a beautiful tapestry like mismatched pieces of a puzzle. The book is visually appealing, but also historically important. While the pictures are attractive, the story is not sugar-coated. The violence and anger and fear that were prevalent in the days of the civil rights movement are conveyed in a way that is appropriate for children, but accurately enough to fully convey the seriousness of the time. The book ends with Martin’s death, but the story offers the hope that his words are still alive for us today. I honestly haven’t read a whole lot of books that address diversity, but I fell in love with this one. I think it is a “must have” for the Library Media Center! From this book, I once again learned that heavy and serious subjects can be addressed in the format of a picture book. I find this method of presenting nonfiction subject matter to be very appealing. Martin Luther
No comments:
Post a Comment