Rappaport, Doreen. Martin's big words: the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Illustrated by Bryan Collier. New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 2001. ISBN: 978-1423106357.
Author Website: http://www.doreenrappaport.com/
Illustrator Website: http://bryancollier.com/
Awards: Jane Addams Children's Book Award, Orbis Pictus Honor Book, Caldecott Honor Book, Coretta Scott King Honor Book, ALA Notable Children's Book.
Media: Combination of watercolor paint and collage on paper
Curricular Connection: California History / Social Science, Grades 11, California Standard 11.10.4: Examine the roles of civil rights advocates (e.g., A. Philip Randolph, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcom X, Thurgood Marshall, James Farmer, Rosa Parks), including the significance of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” and “I Have a Dream” speech.
Annotation: Martin Luther King’s life is briefly recounted in this beautifully illustrated picture book that pairs quotes from King’s speeches with simple, but dramatic text.
Personal Reaction: There are a lot of books about Martin Luther King, but this is one that will stay with readers. From the front cover to the back cover, this book makes an impact. The cover is wordless, depicting King’s face close-up and smiling. The title, Martin's Big Words: the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., appears on the back cover in big typeface, reiterating just how big Martin’s words were then and are today. The story starts with a mother telling her son the story of Martin Luther King and ends abruptly with King’s death. The text is clear and dramatic, even startlingly at times, much like King’s life. Collier’s sweeping paintings and collage not only bring King to life, but the significance of King’s words which are printed in quotes on many pages along with Rappaport’s narrative. The last page of the story reminds readers that King’s words are still alive and this text is overlaid on a drawing by Collier featuring the words, “freedom,” “peace,” “together,” and “love.” Rapport includes a list of key dates in the civil rights movement and recommended additional readings and websites.
