We March

by Shane W. Evans, Shane W. Evans (Illustrator)

Overview

On August 28, 1963, a remarkable event took place--more than 250,000 people gathered in our nation's capital to participate in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The march began at the Washington Monument and ended with a rally at the Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic "I Have a Dream" speech, advocating racial harmony. Many words have been written about that day, but few so delicate and powerful as those presented here by award-winning author and illustrator Shane W. Evans. When combined with his simple yet compelling illustrations, the thrill of the day is brought to life for even the youngest reader to experience.

We March is one of Kirkus Reviews' Best Children's Books of 2012

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781466810693
Publisher:	Roaring Brook Press
Publication date:	01/03/2012
Sold by:	Macmillan
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
File size:	51 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Shane W. Evans has illustrated numerous books for children, including Black Jack: The Ballad of Jack Johnson and Underground, recipient of four starred reviews, both for Roaring Brook Press. He lives with his family in Kansas City, Missouri.

Shane W. Evans has created pictures for over 50 books for children, including Why?, Mixed Me!, and My Friend! He has worked with authors including Shaquille O'Neal, Andrea Davis Pinkney, and Holly Robinson Peete. His awards and honors include Jane Addams Honor Book awards for Lillian's Right to Vote and We March; and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom, all of which he wrote and illustrated. Shane also received an NAACP Image Award for his collaborative work with the Peete family on My Brother Charlie. Follow him at: shaneevans.com&dreamstudio777.com

Editorial Reviews

Shown from the perspective of the children who participated in this historic event, Evans's account emphasizes the determination, strength and optimism of ordinary people swept up in an extraordinary era, participating in an extraordinary event.
—The Washington Post

Kristi Jemtegaard

"[A] well-told and superbly rendered book.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“This makes a pivotal event in our nation's history accessible to our youngest citizens without compromising any of its power.” —Booklist

“There's an iconic flavor to the scenes, their streamlined compositions and simplified human figures standing in for the experience of many.” —The Bulletin

“Share with readers of all ages as a beautiful message about peaceful protest and purposeful action.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Many young children know there was a march on Washington a long time ago and that Martin Luther King Jr. gave a famous speech that day. Some know why the march took place; fewer still know how it happened. Using a minimalist text (no more than ten words per page) as he employed in Underground, Evans covers the last two points.” —Horn Book Magazine

“A moving introduction to a historic day.” —Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

An African-American family awakens before dawn to prepare for the historic March on Washington in August, 1963. In this stirring companion to Underground (2011), Evans captures a pivotal event in the struggle for equality and civil rights in America. The family joins neighbors to pray at their church, paint signs and travel by bus to Washington. They walk and sing and grow tired but "are filled with hope" as they stand together at the Washington Monument to listen to Dr. King speak of dreams and freedom. With just one line per page, Evans' text is spare but forceful. The March has become synonymous with Dr. King's grandiloquent speech, but Evans reminds readers that ordinary folk were his determined and courageous audience. The full-page paintings depict a rainbow of people holding hands and striding purposefully. One illustration in particular, of the father holding his son high on his shoulders, echoes a painting in Underground, in which a father holds his newborn child high up toward the sky. The strong vertical lines used for the arms of the marchers mirror the intensity of the day. Share with readers of all ages as a beautiful message about peaceful protest and purposeful action. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews