Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s Dream and You

(Paperback)

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You can be a King. Stamp out hatred. Put your foot down and walk tall. You can be a King. Beat the drum for justice. March to your own conscience. Featuring a dual narrative of the key moments of Dr. King's life alongside a modern class as the students learn about him, Carole Weatherford's poetic text encapsulates the moments that readers today can reenact in their own lives. See a class of young students as they begin a school project inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and learn to follow his example, as he dealt with adversity and never lost hope that a future of equality and justice would soon be a reality. As times change, Dr. King's example remains, encouraging a new generation of children to take charge and change the world . . . to be a King.

Reviews

While the book is accessible as an inspiring primer on social justice and taking action, it also challenges more sophisticated readers to make connections between the art, the text, Dr. Kings life, the civil rights movement at large, and the continuing struggle to affect change . . .This book is sure to spark discussion and empower readers of all ages. -- Starred review * School Library Journal *
Thoughtful paintings of moving scenes are paired with brief, motivational reflections that evoke all the sentiment and fervor of the American civil rights movement. * Foreword Review *
The book manages to make essential lessons in civic responsibility accessible to the very young reader. * Booklist *
The historical scenes, painted in Ransomes signature thick, saturated style, are infused with a powerful sense of narrative. * Publishers Weekly *
The use of rich, realistic paintings with pencil detailing for Kings life contrasts with the brighter, simpler drawings for the contemporary children, giving a physical reminder that his work is ongoing. * School Library Connection *
Bold, honest, informative, and unforgettable. -- starred review * Kirkus Reviews on VOICE OF FREEDOM: FRANNIE LOU HAMER *
Told in the first person from Hamers own perspective, this lyrical text in verse emphasizes the activists perseverance and courage, as she let her booming voice be heard. -- starred review * School Library Journal on VOICE OF FREEDOM: FRANNIE LOU HAMER *
Caldecott Honor winner Weatherford has rendered Hamers voice so precisely that it is like sitting at her knee as she tells her story. -- starred review * Bookist on VOICE OF FREEDOM: FRANNIE LOU HAMER *
Visceral, intimate and plainly told, this story is sure to move young children. * The New York Times Book Review on WORDS SET ME FREE *
Ransomes acrylic and oil paintings combine striking naturalism with a palette of inky greens and blues. -- starred review * Publishers Weekly on WORDS SET ME FREE *

Author Bio

Carole Boston Weatherford is the author of many children's books, including Newbery Honor winner Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom; Caldecott Honor winner Moses; Coretta Scott King Honor winner Becoming Billie Holiday; NAACP Image Award winner Gordon Parks; Carter G. Woodson Award winner The Sound That Jazz Makes; Caldecott Honor and Robert F. Sibert Honor winner Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer. She is also the recipient of the North Carolina Award for Literature. Carole lives in North Carolina and teaches at Fayetteville State University. www.CBWeatherford.com. James E. Ransome has illustrated many picture books including the Coretta Scott King Award-winner The Creation, the Coretta Scott King Honor-winner Uncle Jed's Barbershop and This is the Rope by Jacqueline Woodson. James was also one of the collaborators on Our Children Can Soar, which won the NCAAP Image Award. He lives in Rhinebeck, New York, with his wife. www.jamesransome.com