Check It Out

Two books on the topic of Martin Luther King, Jr. were presented to the CYBILS NFP Book committee.  Both  are slices of life from this larger than life person.

March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the Worldby Christine King Farris looks at that the events of August 28, 1963. Known as the “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom”, 250,000 marchers descended upon Washington Mall.  It was during this event that Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream Speech”.  Farris’ book brings readers into that day and London Ladd’s illustrations provides great visuals for the texts.  Last week when I was reading this book to students, gasps could be heard as I showed the illustration of the people on the mall.    March On! is a great compliment to Farris’ earlier book, My Brother, Martin which highlights his childhood.  I was surprised to learned that Christin King Farris was not in Washington, D.C. on the day of this powerful speech.  The book read as if she was recounting her experience on that day.  She includes an author’s note following the story.

As Good as Anybody Martin Luther King, Jr. and Abraham Joshua Heschel’s Amazing March Toward Freedon by  Richard Michelson tells about another part of Martin Luther KIng, Jr.’s life.  Have you ever heard of  Abraham Joshua Heschel? I had not until this book.  His life journey parallelled Marting Luther King, Jr.’s journey.  Having known persecution as a Jew living in Europe, Heschel was happy to come to the aid of King when he asked for “all of God’s children to walk.”  A timeline is included at the end of the book. 

This year,  the work of Martin Luther King, Jr seem to be having a significant impact on me.  I teared up ion a couple spots while reading both books.  I am sure this is due to November’s election.  I found myself looking into the faces of many students and realizing just how much our country has moved forward (and yet, I know it is not enough).

Both books will work really well for older elementary students.  Those students who have the basic information about King and are now ready to delve into specific events of his life.

As always, Anastasia Suen is heading up Nonfiction Monday.  How will you honor the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. this weekend?  For me, I will donate blood.

Happy Reading.