Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

by Doreen Rappaport

Book Overview

This Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King Honor, and New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children's Book picture book biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., brings his life and the profound nature of his message to young children through his own words.

Martin Luther King, Jr., was one of the most influential and gifted speakers of all time. Doreen Rappaport uses quotes from some of his most beloved speeches...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786807148
• ISBN13: 9780786807147
• Release Date: October 2001
• Publisher: Jump at the Sun
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.2" x 11.3"
• Age Range: 6 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 4

Customer Reviews

All time favorite!

Every child should have someone read this book to them. I can remember when my teacher read it to me a very long time ago. The information is so impactful, especially with MLK Jr’s quotes throughout.

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This is a great book and has beautiful illustrations. I bought this book for my classroom library.

Great Book!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The book Martin's BIG Words by Doreen Rappaport is excellent for children between the ages of 4-8. It depicts the life of Martin Luther King and the struggles he had to endure his entire life. I like that on each page you were given a quote by Dr. King himself. I also thought that having a list of his important dates at the end of the book was great for the children to see. This is an excellent book to share with your child or classroom.

Simply amazing!

I bought this book, not really knowing much about it. Once I opened it up, saw the beautiful artwork and imagery and read the story, I was amazed. This book gives an excellent, truthful, beautiful portrayal of a restless time in our history. The final page with the picture of Martin in the stained glass windows, overlooking four candles which represent the four little girls who died in the Birmingham church bombing was beautiful. Yes, it's true: some of this history might be frightening for small children. But the theme is important: Dr. King taught people to use their voices, not their fists. As long as a parent is engaged enough to talk about this with their child, the child should have no problem hearing, reading and loving this book. Now I want to buy a copy for every kid (and adult) I know.

Not To Be Missed!

This is a truly amazing book, from many perspectives. As a children's book, it is an interesting and acccurate introduction into the life of one of the most important men of our time. It captures the reader, both the young and not so young, with its moving illustrations and powerful text. My six year old was captured by the "Whites Only" sign; she has referred to it numerous times since reading the book. "Mom, would black people have been able to go here/sit here,etc. without Dr. King's words?" has been a consistent question for her, and inspired some thought provoking conversations for us. I can't over stress the importance of this book. It is engaging and honest, refreshingly simple in the delivery of it's most important message, that we must remember to fight with words, rather than our fists. This is a wonderful classroom addition, the historical time line encourages additional discussion of the events surrounding King's life. Martin's Big Words will engage preschoolers through grades 4-5, and encourage them to consider and discuss this eloquent and visionary man. It quietly encourages children to consider the limitless possibilties of their future.

A Truly Wonderful Book!

Martin Luther King JR., is truly a man. Long ago there was racism in many places all over the USA. They treated blacks differently. They treated them harshly. Very mean. Police beat them. Dogs bit them. What they did was mean. Martin made a difference with his words. He made a big difference. Racism finally stopped. "Martin,You made a difference. You changed everything. I love you, Martin."

Incredible Book!

This book is so good! I have read the book to students from Kindergarten to 5th grade. They were completely entranced by the book. I teach English language learners so they do not know American history. My African students in particular were facinated by the history presented in the book and were very respectful while I read. I have a presentation of Martin Luther King Jr. in my classroom and the students would walk with me to the presentation area and ask questions about the pictures and the history depicted in them. They loved a drawing of Martin in the Birmingham jail and the Nobel Peace Prize he won. This book helped me present an important person to my students in a way that was meaningful and memorable.