A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr.

I like this picture book for a few reasons. The first reason I liked it was because the book is because it pushes readers to think about the tough issue of equal rights for African Americans. For example, the author describes Martin Luther King Jr’s work as “…protests and marches demanding fair laws for all people.” Another reason why I liked this book was because the illustrations enhanced the story. The watercolors and light pastels created a somber and serious mood when talking about such an important civil rights movement. For instance, when the illustrator portrays Martin Luther King Jr performing his speeches he is portrayed in bold dark navy blue while the rest of the background is in light blues, yellows, and other show more neutrals. The illustrator is emphasizing the importance of the main character here. The final reason I like this picture book is because it makes a complicated event easier for young readers to digest. Helping students to understanding the character with well-paced and clear language like briefly quoting his famous “I had a dream..” speech. The big message is to follow your dreams and what is right. show less

Published in 1989, this picture-book biography of Civil Rights leader and American hero Martin Luther King, Jr. covers all of the major events of his life, from his birth in 1929 to his tragic death by assassination, in 1968. His childhood, in which he learned of the injustices of racial segregation, his education and marriage, and his actions as one of the most visible leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, are all covered. The book concludes with a timeline of King's life...

A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr. is the second entry in author David A. Adler's massive forty-volume Picture Book Biographies series that I have read, following upon A Picture Book of Christopher Columbus. It pairs a simple but informative text from Adler show more with what look like watercolor illustrations from Robert Casilla, who also worked on a number of other entries in the series. Although I wouldn't describe it as an outstanding example of picture-book biography, it accomplishes its purpose, and would make an excellent first introduction to its subject matter, for younger children. Because it covers King's entire life, it could be paired with books about specific topics, such as Christine King Farris' My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., about MLK's childhood, or Barry Wittenstein's A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech That Inspired a Nation, which addresses his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech. Any or all of these books would make a much better choice than the popular but flawed Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., from Doreen Rappaport and Bryan Collier. Recommended to picture-book readers who enjoy biography, or are interested in MLK, as well as to teachers planning a primary school unit on the King and/or the Civil Rights Movement. show less

A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr. by David A. Adler is nonfiction picture book that fits the biography genre by clearly presenting key moments from MLKs life in chronological order. The author uses simple language and strong characterization to show MLK as brave, determined, and committed to equality. The illustrations support the text by showing important historical settings and emotions, helping young readers better understand the time period. This book is relevant to children because it introduces themes of fairness, courage, and standing up for others in an accessible way. Personally, the book encourages readers to reflect on how small actions and peaceful choices can make a meaningful impact in their own life.

There are numerous reasons why I liked this book. The first reason is the beautiful illustrations. The illustrations really enhance the story and help the reader visualize the emotional impact he had on numerous people. One of my favorite illustrations is actually one of the first pictures of the book. It is the iconic picture of Martin Luther King Jr when he is giving his “I had a dream speech” however, it is unlike any other picture I have every seen. The pictures look like they are done in watercolors and there is no background, but just a light blue shadow around the men pictured. I think this is an excellent choice by the author because it keeps the focus on Martin Luther King Jr. and how powerful his words were. Also the show more author chooses to include part of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I had a dream” speech. I think this really pushed readers to think about the racial issues that are going on in society today. The I have a dream speech is so iconic and powerful, but I think it is important for children to read it, and feel the emotion, feel how unfair so many people were being treated. The part of the speech that the author includes is “I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” I think the big idea of this book is to encapsulate Martin Luther King Jr.’s life in a easy read for children. show less

Summary:
The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. is a Biography written by David Adler and illustrated beautifully by Robert Casilla. David tells the story of King beginning with his childhood and family, highlighting the hatred and the struggle that was often encountered by King and his family. Later the bio talks about the boycotts and King’s powerful messages of peace and equality in a celebratory way.

Personal Reaction:
What beautiful pictures! This Bio is very kid friendly. This book would be my number one pick to introducing Martin Luther King to a child.

Extension Ideas:
1.Students would be task to write a short Bio about one of their parents or guardians.

2.Students will give three facts about Martin Luther King Jr.

I liked this book because it focused on a very life-changing person and events while still keeping in mind that children were the target audience. The big idea of this book was the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The two factors in this book that I liked were the illustrations and the plot. The illustrations looked like they were done with water-color paint. I feel that this adds a memory or dream-like feel to the book. I enjoyed the plot because it not only focused on the amazing work Dr. King did in his adult life, but also on the ordinary events in his life like going to college, getting married, playing as a kid. This gave a view of Dr. King as a normal person.

I really liked the way David A. Adler started this biography of Dr. King off. Instead of starting the book off with "Martin Luther King Jr. was born in...", Alder drew the readers in by stating that Dr. King was one of the most influential leaders in America. To me, that captures the audiences attention and gets them interested.
I also really liked how Alder ended the story. I am one of those people that LOVE a moving ending, and Alder did just that. The last page of the book reads "Carved on the stone which marks his grave are the words I'm free at last".