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Doreen Rappaport

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (A Big Words Book, 1) Hardcover – Picture Book, October 1, 2001

by Doreen Rappaport (Author), Bryan Collier (Illustrator)

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This picture book biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. brings his life and the profound nature of his message to young children through his own words.
Martin Luther King, Jr., was one of the most influential and gifted speakers of all time. Doreen Rappaport uses quotes from some of his most beloved speeches to tell the story of his life and his work in a simple, direct way. Bryan Collier's stunning collage art combines remarkable watercolor paintings with vibrant patterns and textures. A timeline and a lsit of additional books and web sites help make this a standout biography of Dr. King.

Reading age

4 - 8 years
Print length

40 pages
Language

English
Grade level

Preschool - 3
Lexile measure

AD610L
Dimensions

10.4 x 0.55 x 11.25 inches
Publisher

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date

October 1, 2001
ISBN-10

0786807148
ISBN-13

978-0786807147
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From the Publisher


	Frederick's Journey	Abe's Honest Words	Jack's Path of Courage	Helen's Big World	Wilma's Way Home	John's Secret Dreams
Learn about historical figures in their own words with Doreen Rappaport's Big Words series.	A moving portrait of the extraordinary life of Frederick Douglass.	An epic portrait of a truly great American president: Abraham Lincoln.	A moving portrait of a popular, charismatic president: John F. Kennedy.	An unforgettable portrait of a Helen Keller, whose vision for progress changed America.	The courageous life story of Wilma Mankiller, the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation.	Captures the energy and the essence of John Lennon, whose creative genius continues to inspire.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In this elegant pictorial biography of Martin Luther King Jr., author Doreen Rappaport combines her spare, lyrical text with King's own words for an effective, age-appropriate portrayal of one of the world's greatest civil rights leaders. From King's youth, when he looked up to his preacher father and vowed one day to "get big words, too," to his death at a garbage workers' strike ("On his second day there, he was shot. He died."), Rappaport imbues the story with reverence.

Acclaimed artist Bryan Collier depicts his subject with stunning watercolor and collage illustrations, balancing glorious recreations of stained glass windows with some of the more somber images of peace marchers and the famous bus that pitched Rosa Parks into the civil rights movement. A brief chronology and bibliography provide additional resources for readers. Here is an exquisite tribute to a world hero. (Ages 4 and older) --Emilie Coulter

From Publishers Weekly

This picture-book biography provides an ideal introduction to this leader and his works. Juxtaposing original text with quotes from King's writing and speeches, Rappaport's (Escape from Slavery) narrative offers a pastiche of scenes from King's life, beginning with his childhood experience of seeing "White Only" signs sprinkled throughout his hometown. He questions his mother about their meaning, and she assures him, "You are as good as anyone." Listening to his father preach, the boy asserts that "When I grow up, I'm going to get big words, too." Rappaport also touches upon King's role in the Montgomery bus strike that followed Rosa Park's 1955 arrest for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger and his subsequent efforts as a civil rights crusader. After briefly describing the circumstances of his death, the story concludes, quite abruptly, with the statement, "His big words are alive for us today." The author relies on her subject's own words, and his power, passion and pacifism shine through. Collier's (Uptown) striking watercolor and cut paper collage art feature closely focused, lifelike images of King and other individuals against an inventive montage of patterns and textures. The portraits of King exude his spiritual strength and peaceful visage. In the background of some scenes are intricate recreations of stained glass windows, which, Collier explains in an introductory note, he interprets as a metaphor for King's life. An elegant, understated pictorial biography. Ages 5-9.

From School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-Collier combines his distinctive watercolor-and-collage art with Rappaport's uncluttered text to sum up King's life and work. Each two-page spread begins with a short paragraph about King and his crusade for civil rights, followed by a powerful sample of his own words set in oversized, boldface type. Both portions of the succinct text work together to emphasize the leader's courage, commitment, and, ultimately, sacrifice without sensationalizing his death. King's assassination during the 1968 Memphis garbage strike is summed up in just two short sentences: "On his second day there, he was shot. He died." The book concludes with a reassuring reminder that his words are immortal. Rappaport advises readers to use "Martin Luther King" as the search term to find more than 200 Web sites dedicated to King and the civil rights movement. Both author and illustrator preface the book with brief notes to explain specific aspects of King's life and death that inspired them in their collaboration. The result is a stunning, reverent tribute.

Catherine Threadgill, DeKalb County Public Library, Atlanta, GA

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Ages 4-9. "Remember if I am stopped, this movement will not be stopped, because God is with this movement." Weaving in Dr. King's own "big words," this inspiring picture-book biography celebrates the great leader as preacher and politician. Rappaport's spare narrative captures the essentials of the man, the movement he led, and his policy of nonviolence. Only in the case of Rosa Parks is the glimpse too simplistic, presenting her as an individual who refused to give up her seat on the bus, rather than as the political activist she was. Collier's collage art is glorious. Combining cut-paper, photographs, and watercolor he expresses his own Christian faith and King's power "to make many different things one." Stained glass windows are the dominant images, not only in the many church scenes, but also in the play of shape, light, and color in the realistic views of the city. With powerful art and pulsing words ("He walked with them and talked with them and sang with them and prayed with them"), this is a fine book to share and read aloud many times. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"Beginning with the startling cover, which contains only the face of Martin Luther King Jr., with his smile broad, and his eyes crinkled in laughter, this title intrigues. It’s an homage in words and pictures, in which the author weaves King’s words with her own to present a brief but stately portrait of the American hero....Readers will hear [King's] voice echo in this presentation."―Kirkus Reviews

“Weaving in Dr. King’s own “big words,” this inspiring picture book biography celebrates this great leader as preacher and politician. Rappaport’s sparse narrative captures the essentials of the man, the Civil Rights movement he led, and his policy of non-violence. This is a great book to read aloud many times.”―Booklist

“A stunning, reverent tribute.” ―School Library Journal

About the Author

Doreen Rappaport has written numerous award-winning books for children, including Freedom Ship and The School Is Not White (both illustrated by Curtis James); Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book illustrated by Bryan Collier; and John's Secret Dreams: The Life of John Lennon, also illustrated by Bryan Collier.

Bryan Collier's first book, Uptown, published in 2000, received a Coretta Scott King (CSK) Illustrator Award, as well as an Ezra Jack Keats Award. The same year, Freedom River, which he illustrated, received a CSK Illustrator Honor Award. He is the illustrator of Martin's Big Words, for which he received his first Caldecott Honor Award and a CSK Honor Award. He received his second Caldecott Honor Award in 2006, as well as another CSK Award for Rosa, written by Nikki Giovanni. He is also a New York Times bestseller with Barack Obama, written by Nikki Grimes, which reached the #1 spot in picture books during its 20 weeks on the list and received a 2009 NAACP Image Award for Best Children’s Book, and has illustrated many other acclaimed, award-winning titles.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; 1st edition (October 1, 2001)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0786807148
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0786807147
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD610L
Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.16 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.4 x 0.55 x 11.25 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #25,103 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #7 in Children's Religious Biographies (Books)
- #11 in Children's United States Biographies (Books)
- #44 in Children's American History of 1900s

Customer Reviews:
874 ratings

About the author

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Doreen Rappaport

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Doreen Rappaport is known for her ground-breaking approach to multicultural history and stories for young readers. In her many award-winning books, she brings attention to not-yet-celebrated Americans, along with well-known figures.

A former teacher of music and reading, Doreen knows how to capture children's attention. Her dynamic formats engage even the most reluctant readers.

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is an Orbis Pictus Honor Book, Coretta Scott King Honor Book, Caldecott Honor Book for Illustration, ALA Notable Book, and is on the Blue Ribbon list of the Bulletin Center for Children's Books.

We Are The Many: A Picture Book of American Indians, introduces the accomplishments of sixteen distinguished American Indians.

Her classic Escape From Slavery presents the history of the Underground Railroad through adventure stories.

The Boston Coffee Party introduces children to a neglected event in history books and shows the active roles played by women during the Revolutionary War.

Customer reviews

5 star		92%
4 star		5%
3 star		2%
2 star 0% (0%)		0%
1 star		1%

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Top reviews from the United States

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wanda

Great book

Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2020

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I purchased this book for my co workers 5 year old daughter that lives in a rural area. Her school don’t have any students of color. She ask her daughter if her teacher talked about MLK and when she said “NO” her mom told me of her concerns and I purchased this book for her. Her daughters loved it. Later on the teacher did discuss MLK.

13 people found this helpful

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Alpha Zed

Beautiful text and illustrations - second-graders engaged with it

Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2020

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There are lots of good children’s books about MLK, and this one is one of the best. What I like about it is its simplicity. The text is succinct: the meaning is clear, but readers have room to think and respond, to bring in their own ideas and experiences. The illustrations are gorgeous and invite attention. Our second-graders at a mixed ethnicity public school have had rich conversations while reading this book.

8 people found this helpful

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Candice

This book was recommended as part of a unit on MLK so I ...

Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2017

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This book was recommended as part of a unit on MLK so I borrowed it from the library to use with my students. It was amazing to watch their reactions as we talked about his life and what happened in the world during that time period. I had students that were in tears at the end of this unit! It is an amazing book that give a great snapshot of his entire life and the importance of what he did. I had to buy it!

9 people found this helpful

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Oh My Bookness

Great read for young readers

Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2013

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Book: Martins Big Words
The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
By: Doreen Rampart
Illustrated by: Bryan Collier

December 19 2013

Martins Big Words; The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by Doreen Rampart and Illustrated by Bryan Collier. "Martins Big Words-The Life of Dr.Martins Luther King,Jr." by Doreen Rappaport and Illustrated by: Bryan Collier, discusses some of the important things that took place during his life up to his death. A wonderfully illustrated picture book nestled with facts of Martin Luther King Jr's early life and to his early demise with quotations taken from different parts of his life to back up each small statement.

When Martin was young he remembered seeing signs that said "White only" but he then would Remember what his mother told him " you are a good as as anyone", which is was more than true cause he would grow up to play a great part in history and a part in the Civil rights movement. The quote made Martin happy, but so did listening to his father at church preach which had a profound influence over him. He said " when I grow up I'm going to get big words, too", and he did.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a man fighting for peace and non-violence amongst demonstrations during the civil rights movement. He had faith that prejudice would be erased and the "white only" signs would come down an "sooner or later, all the people in the world will have to discover a way to live together.".Black Americans protested for equal rights but white politician's administers ordered them to stop and when they refused they were arrested. Over three hundred years fighting for equality and the end of prejudice was going to take longer and for being murdered for the skin color that wasn't excepted by the white community. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded the world that "Love is the key to the problems of the world.". Eventually more Americans were listening and actually understanding, and then his words were heard all around the world and listened to his dream that all people around the world will one day treat each other as brothers and sisters no matter what color of their skin. It was a great day for him to win the noble peace prize in 1964 teaching people to fight with words and not with weapons, unfortunately not everyone felt that way in 1968 he was shot and died.

The author and illustrator weave together a story to help children understand what took place in a trying time during struggle for civil rights. The beautiful collage style imagery draws you in and helps strengthens the message of story. A great way to introduce a young one to a historical figure and a powerful time in history, with a message that speaks volumes.

4 people found this helpful

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Annie F

Wonderful book for Pre-K/K with edits!

Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2013

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I read this book to my pre-school class. The story is wonderful (while some didn't "get it" completely, the message was there and delivered). I did edit the end of the book. I said that MLK "died trying to fight for peace and love". I didn't say he was "shot and killed". That being said, several of my 5 year old students already knew that MLK was shot and killed prior to any discussion/story read in school. Children know much more than we think they do. While we shouldn't push them to the next stage of development before they are ready, I think we also owe it to them to continue their learning. This book did a great job with my class. I already got two positive responses from parents and school was let out an hour ago!

24 people found this helpful

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julesandmetv

Julien's Review of Martin's Big Words

Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2015

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Julien talks about Martin's Big Words; one of his favorite books. This telling of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life has engaging and with vivid illustrations and large, bold (and short) quotations from Dr. King, it is easy for all ages to feel the power of his message. The test is easy to read but the content it is talking about means that this is a perfect book for parents to read and discuss with their children. Check out more of Julien's reviews at his youtube channel - julesandmetv.

24 people found this helpful

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Krista

Martin's Big Words

Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2012

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I rarely see biographies of leaders that are such children oriented. The book begins with Martin Luther King Jr. as a young boy that grows into an inspiring man. This allows young readers to relate to MLK, and picture themselves growing up to be just as empowering as he was. I enjoyed the theme of stained glass windows that featured throughout the illustrations. It reminded me of religion, loving everyone for what color they are, and hope for the future. Martin's Big Words is a good way to introduce the serious topic of segregation. The text is simple allows readers of any age to enjoy the historical information this book offers. I love that the author used juxtaposition to include actual pieces of Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches. I also think it was important that the font size and color was changed on that portion of the page, to allow the most important words stand out. The one thing that I disliked about this book, was the lack of female characters in the march drawing. At the beginning I did not even notice that this was an all-male scene, my younger sister did when I read it to her. If there were females in this seen it would allow young girls to connect more to the text. Overall it was a very good read that could be used for many cross-curricular activities.

10 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

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Red Bus Book Lover

Lovely book, short enough to read aloud, using Martin Luther King's actual words

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 11, 2018

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What a beautiful and important book! It tells the story of Martin Luther King Jr's life simply. It alternates between Luther King's own words and those of the storyteller. It would be so useful in school to introduce children to Luther King's important legacy but also the ideas of non-violent protest (Ghandi's ideas are also referenced).

Unga Bunga

Highly recommend

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 29, 2016

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Goods as described. Fast shipping. Highly recommend

HPM

First Steps...

Reviewed in Canada on February 25, 2020

Verified Purchase

This is a good introductory book on MLK. Not being African-American ourselves, I wanted to introduce my kids to the civil rights movement and MLK and this book was useful. I recommend it highly.

Bianca Bonassi Ribeiro

Muito bom!

Reviewed in Brazil on December 10, 2018

Verified Purchase

Comprei esse livro para meus filhos e é um exemplar muito bonito, desenhos impecáveis! Trata-se de uma curta biografia de Dr, MArtin Luther King e toda a causa defendida por ele.

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Nina

Excellent!!

Reviewed in France on December 10, 2013

Verified Purchase

A lire, à offrir, à relire... Un discourt simple et profond qui parle de force, de rêve, de réalité et de paix!... A mettre dans les mains de tous les enfants!!

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Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (A Big Words Book, 1) Hardcover – Picture Book, October 1, 2001

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From the Publisher

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About the Author

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About the author

Doreen Rappaport

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Buy new:

$15.99

FREE delivery: Jan 30 - Feb 1 on orders over $25.00 shipped by Amazon.

Ships from: Amazon.com

Sold by: Amazon.com

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$6.14