Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (children's reviews).Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport illustrated by Bryan Collier Jump at the Sun/Hyperion September 2001, $15.99 ISBN 0-786-80714-8, Ages 5-9 When it comes to educating and enlightening en·light·en tr.v. en·light·ened, en·light·en·ing, en·light·ens 1. To give spiritual or intellectual insight to: children about momentous mo·men·tous adj. Of utmost importance; of outstanding significance or consequence: a momentous occasion; a momentous decision. historical events, there can never be too many books published about the Civil Rights era, and the people that championed the cause in America. Though there were several prominent leaders in the Civil Rights movement, none is more recognized and honored than Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His legacy and story is, indeed, inspiring and well worth re-telling. In the book Martin's Big Words, author Doreen Rappaport briefly but pointedly describes the life of Dr. King, starting with his boyhood days of reading "White Only" signs in his hometown home·town n. The town or city of one's birth, rearing, or main residence. Noun 1. hometown - the town (or city) where you grew up or where you have your principal residence; "he never went back to his hometown again" of Atlanta and moving on to his discovery of nonviolent protest, which became the hallmark of his movement. An award-winning author of several juvenile books about multicultural mul·ti·cul·tur·al adj. 1. Of, relating to, or including several cultures. 2. Of or relating to a social or educational theory that encourages interest in many cultures within a society rather than in only a mainstream culture. history, Rappaport includes some of the key moments of Dr. King's life, as well as those of the Civil Rights era like the Montgomery bus boycotts The Montgomery bus boycott was a mass protest by African American citizens in the city of Montgomery, Alabama, against Segregation policies on the city's public buses. It was nine years before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 would change the nation forever. . These highlights are offered in a language and tone that are easy to read. In fact, the book is a wonderful introduction to Dr. King and his times; and it is designed to stir further discussions about this turbulent time in our history. As a bonus, Rappaport adds quotes from Dr. King's letters and speeches to nearly all of the passages. One of the most delightful components of this biography, however, is Bryan Collier's dramatic illustrations. Collier, who has also won several awards for his work, has captured the peaceful spirit of Dr. King with zestful zest n. 1. a. Flavor or interest; piquancy. b. The outermost part of the rind of an orange, lemon, or other citrus fruit, used as flavoring. 2. watercolor and cut paper collages that appear almost three-dimensional. Although Martin's Big Words is a quick read, its message is truly uplifting. |
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