SLIS 5420, Module #7: Martin's Big Words

My students often ask me, "have you read all of the books the library?" Of course, this question makes me smile... Although I've read a ton of books, I haven't even come close to scratching the surface when you compare how much I've read to how many books are in the 3D Library! However, if I a genie in a bottle gave me three wishes, I would totally consider using one of them so I could read all of the books! Even though I haven't read them all, I am really, really glad I got to read 1 in particular this week! Here's to Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier!

Summary

Opening with a page on his childhood, Martin's Big Words tells the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life using actual quotes and words he said. While language and tone of Rappaport is simple and direct, yet in combination with Dr. King's words and unique collages by Collier, the book is anything but.

With each new illustration and each new quote, readers learn about the important events in Dr. King's life from growing up to become a minister, to helping with the Montgomery Bus Boycott. While Martin's Big Words ends with his death and a the statement, "His big words are alive for us today," the text includes several additional features such as "Important Dates" and "Additional Books and Web Sites."

My thoughts

While I have come to appreciate illustrations more and more this summer (yay SLIS 5420), very few, if any, books have appealed to me visually the way Martin's Big Words has. What Martin's Big Words lack in detail, the pictures portray in emotion. The author's words, the quotes from Dr. King, and the mixed media collages (including actual photographs), form a powerful trifecta that just works.

What have others said?

From Horn Book Magazine (2002):

This is one book you can judge by its cover The space on the front jacket is entirely filled with a large, inviting portrait of a smiling Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; the usual publication data (title, author, illustrator) are printed on the back. Inside, the text is a mix of Rappaport's finely honed biographical narrative and appropriate quotes from King himself, emphasizing the concept that from his youth Martin had sought to inspire others with his words, as he had heard his father do. The essential and pivotal events of King's life, including the early days of the civil rights movement, the march on Washington, and King's assassination, are presented in a straightforward yet moving style. The facts are extended by Bryan Collier's breathtaking collage illustrations, which dazzle, challenge, and inspire with their repletion of motifs (such as stained-glass windows) and the mixture of symbols and realism (as in the depiction of black Americans carrying a flag as they march for freedom). This exemplary biography of one of the great leaders of the twentieth century will remind another generation of the grandeur of his legacy. With informative forewords from author and illustrator, a chronology, and a selective listing of further readings and websites.

And, from Black Issues Book Review (2002):

When it comes to educating and enlightening children about momentous 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 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 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. 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 watercolor and cut paper collages that appear almost three-dimensional.

Although Martin's Big Words is a quick read, its message is truly uplifting.

Some ideas for the library or classroom

Of course, this multiple award-winning text is a must for any library! (Yes, even those that serve the upper grades!) Because of it's length, the text makes for a great read aloud during Black History Month or a study on historical figures. I plan to incorporate this text into library lessons on biographies: the unique style makes it a great example to share when talking about the different types of biographies and the "Additional Books and Web Sites" provide excellent resources for students looking to learn more.

As for the classroom, the text lends itself well to conversations on word choice, because if you choose your words purposefully and wisely, sometimes less is more. In addition, Dr. King's "words" on each page make for great discussion starters. Students can discuss why they think the author selected each particular phrase for each page and discuss the significance of each statement.

References

Burns, M. M. (2002). [Review of the book, Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport]. Horn Book Magazine, 78(1), 105.

Rappaport, D. (2001). Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children.

Reynolds, C. V. (2002). [Review of the book, Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport]. Black Issues Book Review, 4(1), 80.