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March On!: The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World
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On a hot August day in 1963, hundreds of thousands of people made history when they marched into Washington, D.C., in search of equality. Martin Luther King, Jr., the younger brother of Christine King Farris, was one of them.
Martin was scheduled to speak to the crowds of people on that day. But before he could stand up and inspire a nation, he had to get down to business. He first had to figure out what to say and how to say it. So he spent all night working on his "I Have a Dream" speech, a speech that would underscore a landmark moment in civil rights history—the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. This would be one of the first events televised all over the globe. The world would be listening as one of the greatest orators of our time shared his vision for a new day.
From the sister of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., comes this moving account of what that day was like for her, and for the man who inspired a crowd—and convinced a nation to let freedom ring.
Describing the 1963 March on Washington, Farris, the older sister of Martin Luther King Jr., maintains the deft touch and down-to-earth perspective that made My Brother Martin so moving. Where most books on King approach him with a sense of great occasion, Farris more effectively uses plain language and well-chosen facts to explain her brother's extraordinary achievements. Her description of his writing of the classic "I have a dream" speech typifies her style: Martin stays up all night, working and reworking his draft. "Not once did he stop to eat, or even lay his head down on his pillow.... Even if he'd wanted to sleep, he couldn't-the words of his speech kept him awake. His speech wouldn't let him rest." As she chronicles Martin's experiences of the march, Farris skillfully embeds facts about its goals, the participants and the period. Ladd, in his first picture book, demonstrates a rare talent for portraiture-even the faces in his crowd scenes are individuated. Like Farris, he resists the temptation to lionize his subject: instead of looking iconic, his King looks human-in other words, capable of inspiring the reader. Ages 9-12. (Sept.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Gr 1-4
How did the civil rights activist prepare what would become his most famous address? What was it like to be part of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, August 28, 1963? Dr. King's sister answers these questions, providing background about the organization of the march, a look at key events of the day, and insight into how King crafted the speech. Although he is depicted as older and more serious than the mischievous little boy portrayed in My Brother Martin (S & S, 2003), Farris's unique perspective on her subject continues to be compelling. She concentrates on the march and the effects of the speech. Some phrases in the text are printed in a larger font and in color, emphasizing important aspects and establishing an appealing rhythm for reading aloud. Ladd's acrylic paintings are an excellent accompaniment to the text. His use of color and varying perspectives creates a great deal of visual energy, extending the excitement of the event. An informative addition.-Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA
Overview
On a hot August day in 1963, hundreds of thousands of people made history when they marched into Washington, D.C., in search of equality. Martin Luther King, Jr., the younger brother of Christine King Farris, was one of them.
Martin was scheduled to speak to the crowds of people on that day. But before he could stand up and inspire a nation, he had to get down to business. He first had to figure out what to say and how to say it. So he spent all night working on his "I Have a Dream" speech, a speech that would underscore a landmark moment in civil rights history—the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. This would be one of the first events televised...