Customer Reviews

One Million Men and Me

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!!

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.

One Million Men and Me is a dynamic book which depicts the infamous Million Man March on Washington from a child's perspective. This wonderfully illustrated picture book gives children true insight of the event, emotions and pride surrounding this historical event.

This book makes a wonderful birthday, Christmas or Kwanzaa gift. Independent young readers will enjoy reading this book and adults will enjoy expanding their children's knowledge in greater detail. This book should be a part of any child's nonfiction library collection.

LSC
Long Island, NY

Congratulations are due to Ms. Lyons for this enjoyable picture book that focuses on the events of the Million Man March through the eyes of a little girl. The author must also be an excellent journalist, based on the depth of observation demonstrated through the narrative. The story is interesting and the descriptions are unexpected. The message is positive and supportive of interpersonal and community relationships. I would recommend this for families and collections for young children.

One Million Men and Me is a children's picturebook inspired by the author's personal experience witnessing a father and daughter at the Million Man March of 1995, which brought together black men across America who were committed to making positive and lasting changes for the better both in the home and in the community. Told through the eyes of a little girl who was with her father on the day black men made history, One Million Men and Me emphasizes the importance of a father-daughter bond as well as standing up for one's beliefs. The simple yet iconic color illustrations bring the events of the Million Man March to life for young readers who might not have been born yet when the it took place. "I'll always remember / the day Daddy took me / on a journey. // The day a million Black men / stood shoulder to shoulder, / the day history was made with / one million men and me."