Martin's Big Words book review


Bibliography
Rappaport, D. 2001. Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ill. by Bryan Collier. New York, NY: Jump at the Sun. ISBN 9781423106357

 Plot Summary
The work of Rappaport (author) and Collier (illustrator) beautifully come together to express the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The story begins with a young Martin Luther King seeing “White Only” signs and wanting to use “big words” just like his preacher father. The story then fasts forwards to King being a minister and learning the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi that helped shaped him into the Civil Rights leader we all know today. Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott are then discussed, and King’s famous “I have a dream” speech is brought to life. The book then takes a shift from discussing his Nobel Peace Prize to his assassination in Memphis, Tennesse.

Critical Analysis
The illustrations by Collier wonderfully bring life to capture Rappaport’s words. Unity is shown throughout the story with two different art styles coming together as one; the illustrations are done by two distinct art styles: watercolor and paper cutouts. For example, the illustration of a young girl that is drawn in watercolor and paper cutouts in front of the American flag made out of paper cutouts shows this unification of separate art styles. In doing so, the illustrations illuminate the message portrayed throughout the book: Martin Luther King’s message of unity between the American people.
The illustrations express the tone of what is being read. This can be seen when the author writes “Love is the key to the problems of the world,” and Collier has matched this text with an illustration of two people holding hands in front of the American flag. Another example of this is when the death of Martin Luther King is brought up in the story. The illustration represents a dark and gloomy tone as his death is mentioned.

Review Excerpt(s)
  • 2002 Caldecott Honor Book
  • 2002 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book 
  • 2001 New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book
  • Publisher’s Weekly: “The portraits of King exude his spiritual strength and peaceful visage” (October 8, 2001). 
  • Starred review in Kirkus Reviews: "Collier's watercolor and cut-out-paper- collage illustrations express deep feeling" (May 20th, 2001).  
Connections
  • This biography picture book can be read for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day/ Black History Month. 
  • This would be a great book to use in the classroom to begin discussing the Civil Rights Movement.
  • This book can also be used as a conversation starter about unity and coming together for a greater cause. 

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