Module 12 - Martin's Big Words

Summary: This is the story of Martin Luther King, Jr., told through the lens of some of his more famous words. From his youth, when he faced "Whites Only" signs on public places through his death in Memphis in 1968, the book uses King's words to continue his message of love and tolerance.

Rappaport, D., & Collier, B. (2008). Martin's big words, the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. New York, NY: Jump At The Sun.

My Impressions: This book is a brief, episodic history of Dr. King and his influence on the Civil Rights Movement. His "big words" helped shape him as a person and helped define a movement for equality in the United States. Almost every page has a situation described, then, in larger text, King's words. The pages turn suitably dark when the author describes the last couple of days in Memphis, ending on a picture of a stained glass version of King and the simple words, "His big words are alive for us today." This book is beautiful, well-written, and a great way to introduce the life of one of the greatest Americans.

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.'"  -- School Library Journal

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



"This is one book you can judge by its cover The space on the front jacket is entirely filled with a large, inviting portrait of a smiling Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; the usual publication data (title, author, illustrator) are printed on the back. Inside, the text is a mix of Rappaport's finely honed biographical narrative and appropriate quotes from King himself, emphasizing the concept that from his youth Martin had sought to inspire others with his words, as he had heard his father do. The essential and pivotal events of King's life, including the early days of the civil rights movement, the march on Washington, and King's assassination, are presented in a straightforward yet moving style. The facts are extended by Bryan Collier's breathtaking collage illustrations, which dazzle, challenge, and inspire with their repletion of motifs (such as stained-glass windows) and the mixture of symbols and realism (as in the depiction of black Americans carrying a flag as they march for freedom). This exemplary biography of one of the great leaders of the twentieth century will remind another generation of the grandeur of his legacy." -- Horn Book

Burns, M. M. (2002). Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Horn Book Magazine, 78(1), 105-106

Uses in the Library: The obvious use is Black History Month, but it can also be used in speech classes to discuss the power of rhetoric.