A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr (Picture Book Biography) (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Robert Casilla (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

As with Adler's previous books in this series, the picture-book format serves as a highly effective, empathetic way to introduce the life and legacy of important Americans to young children. Here the highlights of King's life are presented with an emphasis on his childhood and family. Children will immediately relate to his painful early experiences of racism and understand the genesis of his lifelong struggle for racial equality. The book portrays the hatred King endured, the horror of his assassination and the intense power of his message. A single-page list of important dates closes the book. Its most striking aspect is Casilla's evocative watercolor paintings, which expand the text while celebrating the man. Ages 4-9.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-- This beautifully illustrated , easy-to-read biography takes a look at the life, leadership, and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Adler examines King's family background, leadership of the Montgomery bus boycott, and the 1963 march on Washington, D.C. By focusing primarily on these events, Adler provides young readers with enough basic information to form a well-rounded picture of King and his ideals. However, the outstanding feature of this book is the vivid watercolor illustrations, which are sure to capture readers' attention. Casilla dramatically reveals the mood and feelings of the era. An error appears in the chronology section, where it states that King was married in Marion, Georgia instead of Marion, Alabama (some sources list Heiberger, Alabama, which is nearby). A fine introduction to King and the freedom movement, and one that would be equally useful for storyhour and discussion groups. --Jeanette Lambert, LaVega School, Waco, TX
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House; 1st edition (July 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823407705
• ISBN-13: 978-0823407705
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,366,170 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Learn about Martin Luther King, Jr. for young readers, November 4, 2003

By	Vanessa Clark (Upland, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Picture Book Biography) (Paperback)

This book will be enjoyed by all students. It really speaks from the heart and instead of continually writing on all the negative stuff that authors seem to write on, i really think that Adler focused on writing on all the positive things that King did for the nation. The book was beautifully written.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent first biography, April 6, 2000

By A Customer

The entire "A picture book of..." biography series byDavid Adler is outstanding. Perfect for lower elementary studentsdoing their first real report. Makes a great read-aloud for non-readers as they are easily completed in one sitting. They are loaded with information including a timeline of important dates. The illustrations in this book are not cartoon-like as in his other biographies of Washington or Lincoln, but are appealing to young children.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My daughter loves this book, January 8, 2007

By	Michele Wright "Seize the day" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Picture Book Biography) (Paperback)

My five-year-old daughter was fascinated with this book even though it didn't include fairies, animals, or dinosaurs. I was very happy with the information they presented which gives some basic information about Dr. King while not treating his death in such a way that might overly upset sensitive children like mine. The illustrations are wonderfully done and my daughter looked them over carefully for a long time. It is a wonderful opportunity to launch more discussions about racism and the way we treat other people because of their gender, race, or religion.