Martin�s Big Words is a biographical sketch of Dr. King, built upon famous statements he made that reflect his philosophy of activism tempered with love and tolerance. Double-page spreads feature quotations by the civil rights leader, in large, bold type. Accompanying each one is a biographical vignette, demonstrating how his convictions provided a roadmap for his life.
The book tells the story of Dr. King�s involvement and influence on landmark events in the Civil Rights struggle: Rosa Park�s arrest and the ensuing bus boycott; civil rights marches; threats, murders, and bombings of protestors; the march on Washington; and, his �I Have a Dream� speech. Dr. King won the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his advocacy of peaceful protest for change. He was ultimately felled by an assassin�s bullet when he was only 38 years old. Few men have wielded so much influence in so few years.
Ms. Rappaport�s prose is rendered especially powerful in its eloquent simplicity. The spareness of her words only enhances their impact: �He said �together� when others said �separate.� He said �peace� when others said �war.�� The description of his assassination is stark and moving: �On his second day there, he was shot. . . . He died. . . His big words are alive for us today.� In the Author�s Note, in the book's foreword, she explains how she was inspired by Dr. King�s own use of words: �They are simple and direct, yet profound and poetic.�
Bryan Collier�s visual images, rendered in collage, range from realistic to abstract. In every case, they enhance and enlarge upon the text. In the Illustrator�s Note, he explains the metaphorical nature of his art: �In some places, the imagery had to stay true to history. In others, I tried to push to an emotional level that allows the reader to bring his or her own experience to it . . .�
School Library Journal (October 1, 2001) describes the book as �a stunning reverent tribute.� The picture-book format will hold wide appeal to audiences of all ages, as will the universal, timeless story it tells. �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 Magazine, January 1, 2002)
Awards for Martin�s Big Words
ABC Children�s Booksellers Choices Award
ALA Notable Books for Children
Caldecott Honor Book
Coretta Scott King Honor Book
Jane Addams Children�s Book Award
New York Times Notable Books of the Year
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
Related Websites
Doreen Rappaport�s Website: http://www.doreenrappaport.com
Bryan Collier�s Website: http://www.bryancollier.com
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Website: http://www.holidays.net/mlk/
Source
Books in Print [database online]. Available from http://www.booksinprint.com. Accessed via TWU Library 10 September 2004.
School of Library and Information Studies
TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY