Thank You, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.! [Paperback]

Eleanora Tate (Author)

Book Description

Release date: March 1, 1997 | Age Range: 8 and up | Lexile Measure: 680L (What's this?)

Mary Eloise is disappointed that the part she gets in the school play is that of Black History narrator--but two storytellers visit her school and change how she views her heritage.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-7-- Fourth grader Mary Elouise Avery struggles with a low self-image in this consciousness-raising story of black pride. When Gumbo Grove Elementary School prepares for its annual Presidents' Month play, Mary Elouise is selected as narrator for the new black history segment. She dislikes the role, as she feels that it emphasizes the difference between her and her Barbiesque classroom idol, Brandy. Her mother scolds her for disposing of black dolls in favor of white dolls, and her perceptive grandmother advises her to "love yourself for who you are." By story's end, her part in the play has given Mary Elouise a better understanding of her heritage. She also has a new idol, a black storyteller who perceives her angst and challenges her to seek any goal with determination. The message is clear, and the plot is predictable. Except for the condescending naivete of a white teacher, characters offer a positive perspective on black culture. This purposeful novel conveys the challenge of maintaining ethnic pride in a society dominated by whites. Mary Elouise learns about her heritage, herself, and friendship in this first-person narrative. Realistic dialogue and peer conflicts, plus Mary Elouise's insights make this an appropriate choice for young readers. --Gerry Larson, Chewning Junior High School, Durham, NC
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

Mary Elouise is dying to be in the school play, but the part she gets is the last one she wants -- narrator of the Black History skit. Even though her grandmother, Big Momma, says it's important to remember her heritage, Mary Elouise hates being reminded about slavery and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She'd rather be in the skit about presidents with Brandy, the girl in her class with beautiful blond hair. Then one day, two storytellers come to school with glorious tales of Africa... and a new way for Mary Elouise to see herself and her heritage. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Age Range: 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (March 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440414075
• ISBN-13: 978-0440414070
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.6 x 7.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,023,912 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Thank You Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! Book Review November 26, 2001

A Kid's Review

Format:Paperback

This is a touching book for all ages. There is a very valuable lesson that is in this story. That is don't ever judge a person by how they look or how they act, you have to get to know the person first. The main character in this book is Mary Elouise. She is a bright young girl and she badly wants to be the narrator in the Presidents month school play. She ends up getting the part as the narrator for the Black history segment instead and is very offended because she thinks that the only reason her teacher her teacher Miz Vereen picked her because she is black. In the end a storyteller visits Mary's school and teaches her a very valuable less that she will cherish forever. She realizes a lot of things after this, like she was thought she would probably be the best for the narrating part in the Black history segment. Most importantly she becomes a lot happier for herself, and realizes who her real friends are and what they are really worth.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. February 17, 2000

By Ashley

Format:Library Binding

I rate this book a five (on a scale from 1-5) because this story has a very good lesson and there were times that I would laugh and times that I would feel very badly for some of the characters. The moral I like a lot because of the way that the author describes in the feeling of her words. I like this book because it has very good characters and I like the way the author described this book. She used lots of verbs and nouns. I think that this book deserves a newberry award. She has the qualifications of a famous newberry award-winning author. This book contains similarities from other struggles of the times where black and white people were in a war so to speak. This book has lots of things that deal with it like when she has to try to read a part of a black African American when her friends are all against that because they are white. She feels very disappointed when she finds out that they are turning against her on that issue. She feels disclosed from her world. The books that I have read about these issues sometimes bring me to tears. This book has brought on a new subject to my life individuality. I love this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Book is FABULOUS September 9, 2011

By F. Williams

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The book and the story itself is a fabulous story. Although it is centered around an African American girl the story is relatable to all little girls. This book helped to change the way I viewed myself when I was younger and I wanted to share the story with my niece. However, the seller did make sure my niece received her copy. I made a one number mistake on the zip code of the address and the book was never received.