A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book
From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King: “My father’s dream continues to live on from generation to generation, and this beautiful and powerful illustrated edition of his world-changing "I Have a Dream" speech brings his inspiring message of freedom, equality, and peace to the youngest among us—those who will one day carry his dream forward for everyone.”
On August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington, Martin Luther King gave one of the most powerful and memorable speeches in our nation's history. His words, paired with Caldecott Honor winner Kadir Nelson's magnificent paintings, make for a picture book certain to be treasured by children and adults alike. The themes of equality and freedom for all are not only relevant today, 50 years later, but also provide young readers with an important introduction to our nation's past. Included with the book is an audio CD of the speech.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful.
Wow
By LizP
Wow. In 1963, in front of the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave one of the most important speeches of the 20th century. It is called the "I Have a Dream" speech and it was delivered as part of the March on Washington, a march in support of civil rights for African Americans. This book pairs the words of the last third of the speech with Kadir Nelson's outstanding illustrations.Nelson has won two Caldecott Honors, a Robert F. Sibert Medal and a Coretta Scott King Honor Award. In "I Have a Dream" he captures the power of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. Nelson includes two head shots of Dr. King. The first is paired with "I have a dream today." The second is paired with "From every mountainside, let freedom ring." Both show the strength and intensity of Dr. King. Nelson also paints a two-page spread of a white hand and a black hand holding each other. It's hard to imagine a better way to visualize the meaning of the speech.At the end of the book the entire speech is printed. The book also comes with a CD of the entire speech. It's remarkable to listen to the speech on the CD, notice when the book begins to pick up the words of the speech, and continue to listen to the speech while reading the words and looking at the illustrations. It makes for a very powerful experience for one who was a child during the civil rights movement."I Have a Dream" is an excellent tool to open new generations of children to the civil rights movement and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This book demonstrates that Dr. King's power continues into the 21st century.
18 of 22 people found the following review helpful.A Dream in pictures...
By Jason Frost
It doesn't seem right; that we can go into a bookstore and find a book whose artwork should be in a museum and whose words should be between leather bound covers. Anyone with a brain knows of Dr. King's speech, and anyone with a soul has had it stirred when they hear it. Kadir Nelson takes one of the most iconic speeches in the history of us and combines it with artwork that can only be described as 'soul candy'.Why? Because it is just that. My parent's generation will smile and bear witness that they were blessed to live during the time of this amazing man. My generation will be grateful and a bit jealous that we missed the living era of Martin. My children's generation can only hope that there will be a man anywhere close to the person that was Dr. King.Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech will obviously stand out but the other treat is Kadir's mesmerizing artwork. The cover of this book tells you exactly what you'll see on the inside. His work is moving, spiritual, inspiring, stunning, timeless, and historic.This book is an annotated version of Dr. King's speech in concert with Kadir's afore mentioned soulful artwork. This book also comes with a CD that has Dr. King's complete speech on it AND the entire speech is printed at the end of this book as well. Dr. King's legacy and his speech have been used by everyone; and not all of it good. Dr. King's legacy really doesn't need any embellishment or added fluff. The memorial in Washington (FINALLY) and this book are two instances where it IS needed. And welcomed. Now please understand that I don't mean to compare the memorial with this book, it's just that in a world where there are countless Dr. King highways, youth centers, t-shirts, coffee mugs, posters, and parks, it's nice to have two shining examples of a true representation of Dr. King's legacy.But unlike the memorial you won't have to travel to Washington to enjoy this book. Your local bookstore will do.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.Very good!
By karen12
The recording of this famous speech is very good quality and brings tears to your eyes just listening to it. The book is very good and the illustrations are beautiful.
