Customer Reviews

I Have A Dream

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People give speeches everyday, but few stand the test of time. I HAVE A DREAM highlights the speech of the same title by Martin Luther King, Jr. more than forty years ago. The text of the book is the speech itself, divided into fifteen parts. Each part of the speech is paired with an artistic interpretation, created by past recipients of the Coretta Scott King Award or have been named Coretta Scott King Honor Book Artists. It was interesting to peruse the differing styles of the various artists. At the conclusion of the speech there is a photograph of Martin Luther King, Jr. followed by a brief biographical sketch. The book ends on a high note as each of the contributing artists share what they attempted to convey in their contribution and the inspiration behind it.

Overall, I HAVE A DREAM is a marvelous tribute to the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and to Coretta Scott King and her literary award. The end of the was particularly moving because it not only conveyed the impact the Kings have had on our society as a whole, but also how it touched individuals on a deeply personal level. The book is a wonderful way to introduce the man and the speech to children. It would be great to have children create their own artistic interpretations of parts of the speech. I HAVE A DREAM is a book that should be in everyone's household, it can be appreciated by both adults and children.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This is a beautifully illustrated presentation of Dr. King's speech with a thoughtful forward by Coretta Scott King. A wonderful addition to anyone's library....

I have never heard very much of Dr. King's speech. This book covers just about the whole thing. The first time I saw this book in a 3rd grade classroom I was so moved I knew I had to have it!

I Have a Dream is a fantastic book that incorporates a very important message to children, equality. Because of Dr. King, America can be free from slavery and racism. The illustrations represent this time in history to be very factual.

Although it is now possible to download the test of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s world-famous "I Have a Dream" speech (given August 28, 1963) from the Internet, this beautiful volume takes the text of the speech and juxtaposes it with masterful illustrations by prominent African-American artists. The result is a book of unspeakable beauty.

In the Afterword, each artist describes what motivated him or her to depict what they did; these artists are Leo and Diane Dillon (whose masterpiece adorns the front cover), Floyd Cooper, Jerry and Brian Pinkney, Pat Cummings, Jan Spivey Gilchrist, George Ford, Terea Shaffer, Tom Feelings, James Ransome, Wil Clay, Kathleen Atkins Wilson, and Carole Byard. I only wish that Faith Ringgold, an artist I admire greatly, were included as well.

Coretta Scott King, now reunited with her late husband, offers a concise introduction in the Foreword. This book is a genuine keepsake, one well worth owning.