One Million Men and Me [Hardcover]

Kelly Starling Lyons (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

On October 16, 1995, Black men of all ages, religions and backgrounds gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. They were there on a mission - to mobilize and motivate, as part of what would become the largest event of its kind in U.S. history: the Million Man March. The Million Man March was a movement like no other. It brought together Black men who were committed to inspiring and empowering themselves and each other to make positive and lasting changes in their families and communities. The March was widely covered by news media across the country and the world. Now, this new picture book shares the story of the March in a new light: through the eyes of a little girl who was with her father the day Black men made history.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Journalist Lyons, who attended the Million Man March in Washington, D.C., in 1995, imagines the historic event through the eyes of a child she saw there. The tone is strongly inspirational, and Ambush s realistic double-page spreads, which make particularly good use of close-ups, portray the child and her daddy against the big scenes of the crowds united and strong. Words and pictures celebrate the diversity of individual black men, doctors, garbage men, students, homeless people and retirees, and their joining together in purpose and peace. The sense of tradition is apparent in the metaphors of quilts, a rainbow, and more, and so is the child's excitement about being part of the history, a princess close with her loving dad. A lengthy afterword talks about the speakers and the connections with the 1963 March on Washington --Booklist

Lyons relates the events of the 1995 Million Man March as told from the point of view of a girl who accompanies her father to Washington, DC, for the historic gathering. She begins, My cousin, Omari, said no girls were allowed. But Daddy took me . . . The description of the faces as a rainbow of chocolate, graham cracker brown and cream is accompanied by a spread depicting men of different ages, dress styles, and color, but their expressions of pride and hope are the same. Ambush successfully varies the illustrations to include both warm close-ups of father and daughter and wider views of the speakers she sees while sitting on her dad's shoulders. An author's note includes additional historical facts about the march. This story might prove useful as an introduction to black history or to engage students' interest in social issues. --School Library Journal

About the Author

A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Kelly Starling Lyons is a children's book author whose mission is to transform moments, memories and history into stories of discovery. She is the author of NEATE: Eddie's Ordeal, a novel for middle readers. Ms. Lyons makes her home in North Carolina. One Million Men and Me is her first picture book.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Just Us Books, Inc.; 1st edition (September 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933491078
• ISBN-13: 978-1933491073
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #407,619 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kelly Starling Lyons began her journey to become a children's book author in her hometown of Pittsburgh. She learned the art of storytelling from her mom who took her to productions at a children's playhouse, wrote Christian plays and made up bedtime tales. Her grandparents, who showed their imagination through cooking and gardening, taught her to honor the magic of history and home. Surrounded by creativity, Lyons began to write.

She curled up near the radiator behind her bedroom door and allowed her pen to take her to other worlds. A canopy of trees transformed into a make-believe fortress, backyards hid treasure and tunnels to faraway lands, bridges that crossed the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio rivers spanned distance and time.

Now a children's book author, Lyons works to transform moments, memories and history into stories of discovery. Her books include a chapter book, NEATE: Eddie's Ordeal (Just Us Books), and One Million Men and Me (Just Us Books), a picture book that explores the Million Man March through the eyes of a girl who was there with her daddy the day black men made history.

She has two forthcoming picture books with G.P. Putnam's Sons that celebrate family relationships and freedom. Ellen's Broom will debut January 5, 2012. It's illustrated by Daniel Minter. Tea Cakes for Tosh will be released fall 2012 and is illustrated by E.B. Lewis.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tell Your Children!, August 29, 2010

By 

Jay Bee - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: One Million Men and Me (Hardcover)

Some might ask, why should my little one know about the Million Man March? As an African American child and as a child in America, this story is relevant and necessary for them because the march was a benchmark in US history. It is their history and by knowing it, their pride will be bolstered. This large colorful picture book also reveals the story of a little girl nurtured by her loving father. The text is lyrical. The storyline is charming. A father takes his daughter on a bus trip to the march in D.C. where she hears the speeches of great men and she is a celebrated princess in their midst. A little black girl doesn't hear this message often enough. She doesn't see herself in this image often enough. She is a princess. Lyons' unique book heralds that message.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful historical story from a child's POV, July 14, 2011

By 

Saba - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: One Million Men and Me (Hardcover)

I really enjoyed the imagery in the book. While I did not witness the march first hand, I knew people who went and this story brought back memories of the stories I was told from those who went. I love that it is written from a child's point of view. It is a nice read-to-me book for young children but it is also great for older children as well. The illustrations were absolutely beautiful!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Kristi's Book Nook, October 7, 2010

By 

Kristi Bernard (Overland Park, KS) - See all my reviews

This review is from: One Million Men and Me (Hardcover)

The Million Man march was a historical event for this nation. One Million Men And Me is a wonderful view from a young girls eyes when her Daddy takes her along for this momentous occasion. On this journey Nia recounts her experiences of what she saw.
Snuggled up against her Daddy's chest for the long ride to Washington D.C., Nia is safe and secure. Once there, she is engulfed by the spirituality of all the men, some with their sons, walking together in peace and harmony to hear speakers such as Dr. Maya Angelou, Reverend Jackson and Minister Farrakhan.
Through Nia's eyes you see men walking like kings in a rainbow of colors and from all walks of life. Men who are there to take responsibility and pray. She witnesses the unity and pride and hope. Nia could feel the magic and held her head up high.

"Everywhere I looked, fathers and sons, friends and strangers,
clasped hands in unity. Their faces filled with pride.
Their hearts swelled with hope. I held my head a little higher."

This beautifully illustrated book is a great educational tool for readers of all ages. This experience is one to be recognized and embraced by children and parents. Educators can use this book as an aid in teaching history and the essence of those who helped create it. The Authors Note in the back of the book gives a clearer description of the event.