Book Blog Mod. 12: Martin's Big Words
Rappaport, Doreen. (2007). Martin's Big Words. Hyperion Books for Children: New York.
This book tells the tale of Martin Luther King Jr.'s impact on the Civil Rights Movement, from his growing desire to be involved to his assassination. It's accompanied by lovely watercolor and collage artwork, and maintains a stately pace.
This book is good for what it is, as an introduction to Martin Luther King's legacy and impact. However, I have to admit to finding myself dissatisfied with the depiction of the man himself. He isn't a person here so much as a larger than life force for good, an icon. I felt after reading this book that it had told me a great deal about Luther's works, but not Luther himself. He is always dignified and strong in this story, never showing doubt, annoyance, or a bad hair day. There's no humor or irony in the book either.
The art is beautiful in sepia tones, iconic, and dignified, matching the tone of the book well and mixing it with church imagery, reflecting Luther's own pastoral upbringing. Quotes of Martin Luther King are put up in large text like edicts from God. Again, it feels more an inspirational legend, rather than actual events with actual people.
Most people were a lot more satisfied than I was, though. (Bowker's Books In Print sourced reviews ahoy!) Hazel Rochman of Booklist says that the "spare narrative captures the essentials of the man," which I don't agree with. I think it captures the essentials of the activist, but not his human foibles, even the ones appropriate for kids. I agree with her that the art is "glorious," "powerful," and also appropriate. Catherine Threadgill of the School Library Journal is also pretty much fully complimentary, and approves of how the book "emphasize[s] the leader's courage, commitment, and, ultimately, sacrifice" and its "uncluttered text."
This book is good, and it's definitely moving, but I feel as though I've heard this version of events before, from Black History Month and assorted classes, and it gives only a surface vision of Martin Luther King's life. It's definitely got a place as an introduction for children, and belongs on the shelf as a start for history classes, but I find myself wishing for something deeper. Perhaps I am just feeling ornery.
This book tells the tale of Martin Luther King Jr.'s impact on the Civil Rights Movement, from his growing desire to be involved to his assassination. It's accompanied by lovely watercolor and collage artwork, and maintains a stately pace.
This book is good for what it is, as an introduction to Martin Luther King's legacy and impact. However, I have to admit to finding myself dissatisfied with the depiction of the man himself. He isn't a person here so much as a larger than life force for good, an icon. I felt after reading this book that it had told me a great deal about Luther's works, but not Luther himself. He is always dignified and strong in this story, never showing doubt, annoyance, or a bad hair day. There's no humor or irony in the book either.
The art is beautiful in sepia tones, iconic, and dignified, matching the tone of the book well and mixing it with church imagery, reflecting Luther's own pastoral upbringing. Quotes of Martin Luther King are put up in large text like edicts from God. Again, it feels more an inspirational legend, rather than actual events with actual people.
Most people were a lot more satisfied than I was, though. (Bowker's Books In Print sourced reviews ahoy!) Hazel Rochman of Booklist says that the "spare narrative captures the essentials of the man," which I don't agree with. I think it captures the essentials of the activist, but not his human foibles, even the ones appropriate for kids. I agree with her that the art is "glorious," "powerful," and also appropriate. Catherine Threadgill of the School Library Journal is also pretty much fully complimentary, and approves of how the book "emphasize[s] the leader's courage, commitment, and, ultimately, sacrifice" and its "uncluttered text."
This book is good, and it's definitely moving, but I feel as though I've heard this version of events before, from Black History Month and assorted classes, and it gives only a surface vision of Martin Luther King's life. It's definitely got a place as an introduction for children, and belongs on the shelf as a start for history classes, but I find myself wishing for something deeper. Perhaps I am just feeling ornery.