Reviews: (by author)

Rappaport, D. Martin's Big Words. New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 2001. $15.99. ISBN 0-7868-0714-8.

Martin's Big Words describes the life of Martin Luther King Jr. It is appropriate for 4-9 year olds. Historical events like slavery and civil rights are dealt with forthrightly. The writer, Doreen Rappaport, took part in the March on Washington in 1963 in support of civil rights and has invaluable first hand experience.
She uses an interesting literary device weaving her own words with those of Martin Luther King Jr.'s on every page. The two are written in different font and support each other. Rappaport's words help explain the context and content of Martin Luther King Jr.'s words, good support for younger readers.

The artwork is beautiful. Collier uses collages and watercolors. Many of the illustrations are metaphoric, for example on the last page where four candles represent the four girls killed in the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church.
Doreen Rappaport has written award winning books like Freedom River, an ALA Notable Book, The Flight of Red Bird: The life of Zitkala-Sa, a Woodson Honor Book, and Escape from Slavery, a Notable Book in the Social studies. Bryan Collier won the Coretta Scott King Honor for Freedom River and the Coretta Scott Award for Uptown which he also wrote. He often visits schools and libraries to talk about his books and art.

An excellent book!
Devika Kapur 12/03

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