Martin and Mahalia: His Words, Her Song

Martin & Mahalia is a beautifully written and illustrated nonfiction picture book about the power of the human voice to mobilize people and change history. The book starts by drawing parallels between the early lives of Mahalia Jackson and Martin Luther King Jr, who both grew up in the church, developed their gifts in the church, and would not have been who they were without their faith. Martin grew up listening to his father's sermons at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta and started preaching himself at an early age. Mahalia, whose father was also a preacher, had the most distinctively powerful singing voice at Mount Moriah Baptist Church in New Orleans.

The book follows Martin and Mahalia through their early careers and their show more separate battles with discrimination. We get a succinct explanation of how Jim Crow laws and the "separate but equal" doctrine functioned, with an accompanying illustration of three swimsuit-clad black children barred from entering a gaited pool bearing the sign "Public Swimming Pool - Whites Only."

We see the lives of Martin and Mahalia dovetail during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, where they discover the power of their united voices (his in speech and hers in song). This is followed by their unforgettable appearance at the March on Washington, where Mahalia sings "I've Been 'Buked and I've Been Scorned" followed by the Martin's historic "I Have a Dream" speech. (And we see how Mahalia prompts that legendary sermon by calling out, "Tell them about your dream, Martin!")

Further notes:
- The gospel is an important through-line in this book--how Martin and Mahalia use their respective gifts to spread its message of peace (symbolized by the dove that soars through every illustration).
- The author uses poetic language and emphasis to illustrate the power of their gifts, as when she describes Mahalia's unique singing style: "FILLED the notes with tones so round. PULLED the backbeat. STRETCHED the downbeat. PUSHED the boundaries of HERE AND NOW." Even those of us who don't know anything about music can sense what this might sound like.
- Good use of metaphor throughout: "Mahalia's voice was brass and butter. Strong and smooth at the same time."
- The trope of sign directions, maps, and "You Are Here" signs show the direction and progress of the civil rights movement.
- Pinkney's liberal use of abstract ideas such as "freedom," "strength," and "unity" may be difficult for kids who are still firmly entrenched in the concrete-thinking stage.
- Gorgeous, impressionistic watercolor and India ink illustrations
- A note from illustrator Brian Pinkney explains his technique of combining words and pictures to parallel the way Martin and Mahalia joined forces in their quest for justice. He discusses his use of the dove, as well as his use of color to represent different aspects of the book (blues and greens for Martin, reds and oranges for Mahalia, purples and magentas for their collaboration).
- Back matter includes an excellent timeline marking Martin and Mahalia's milestones and those of the civil rights movement. There are also suggestions for further reading, a selected discography, and a biographical note expanding on the ideas of the book, including the use of maps and directions. show less

This beautifully illustrated book highlights the relationship and fortitude held and shared by Martin Luther King and Mahalia Jackson that they had in common and solidified a very close relationship.

Both had a strong faith base and were raised to attend church regularly. Both used their voices as a tool for the civil rights movement at a time when segregation was the core of discrimination primarily in the southern states of the US. Martin's father was the head pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Mahalia sang in the choir of the Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Black Pearl neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Both moved people by the power of their words and music. At a terrible, ugly time of the United States show more history, the rule of the land was "Black Folks Here," and "White Folks There." Separation was no way equal.

This book highlights the many ways in which the two came together to represent how equality should be mandated. Mahalia was with Martin during the bus boycotts which occurred as a result of Rosa Parks who was tired, tired, tired and weary from a day of work, and a life of inequality. Refusing to give her seat to a white person, Rosa was escorted by police to leave the bus, thus igniting blacks to boycott the use of bus transportation, walking many miles to their jobs through weary feet and strong spirits.

In many ways, this was the pivotal action that started the Civil Rights movement. This, and the brutal murder of young 14 year old Emmett Till who was so very maimed at the hands of two white bigoted men that his face was rendered as unrecognizable.

When MLK lead the march on Washington, DC for jobs and freedom, it was Mahalia whose voice that sang loud and clear and inspired the thousands gathered there. It was Mahalia who encouraged Martin to tell the people about his dream. Thus, his I have a Dream Speech inspired people long after he was murdered.

The poetic writing and beautiful artistry of this husband and wife team is a book well worth reading, and keeping in my library. show less

I really loved this story. The illustrations were absolutely beautiful and I loved how important words and phrases were emphasized in bigger text. I think that the illustrator really was able to capture the inspiration that both Martin and Mahalia were able to send it to people. The colors of the illustrations were not too bold, but they were more neutral and calming. It was like I felt a sense of peace when I was reading the story just based off the illustrations. I think this is important because Martin and Mahalia were very peaceful with their words and songs so the illustrations fit perfectly with their message and how they went about giving that message to other people.

This story is about fighting for your rights, bravery, and show more courage. Martin did not like the way that blacks were being treated and he used his words and Mahalia's voice to influence people to join the movement. They were fighting for equality and to walk in love and unity with one another. The author wrote, "greatest demonstration of freedom in the history of the nation." They fought for change. They fought with bravery, strength, and courage. They knew the consequences of what could happen if they spoke up, but did it anyway. I think that this big message can really impact students who are learning about Martin Luther King Jr. and help them better understand what his true goal was -- unity and freedom for all. show less

In this book you get some information on both Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahalia Jackson. You learn about a relationship between the two that is somewhat unknown. You see how they not only inspire others to stand up for what they believe, but each other as well. I think it is good for people to see how these historical figures are just people too and they have their high points and low points like everyone else.

This book is about two African American people who saw it best to work together to put an end to segregation. With Martin Luther King's moving words and Mahalia Jacksons powerful songs, they lead a freedom march to Washington D.C. for all the public to witness. Both Mahalia and Martin were born with a gift of gospel, seeked equality, change, unity and freedom. This book had a lot of interesting art work with water paint and I liked how certain words in the text were bold, large and printed in color for emphasis.

A bold, vibrant story of how the lives of these two Civil Rights Movement figures intertwined. Brian Pinkney makes brilliant use of color in his dynamic illustrations. Wonderfully written, beautifully illustrated.

I liked this book for a couple of reasons. The first reason why, is because it is based off true events and the information was accurate. The story talked about Martin Luther Kind Jr.’s journey through the Civil Rights Movement, and how him and Mahalia fought for equal rights. This book would be a great book for students when learning about Civil Rights. Another reason why I liked this book was because there were bold words on most of the pages, which grabbed the reader’s attention. It kept the book lively and entertaining. I also liked this book for its illustrations. They were all bold and colorful. For example, the pages that talked about Martin’s walk from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial, the illustration on show more the page portrayed how meaningful the walk was and how many people showed up to listen to Martin speak. The big idea of this book was equality and civil rights, and how Martin and Mahalia did everything in their power to fight for equal rights. show less