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This week marks the 40th anniversary of one of the saddest events in American history during a particularly difficult period: the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. (opens in a new window)

Like other momentous incidents, those old enough to remember this probably can recall what they were doing when they heard the news.

For young children though, last week is ancient history; even for older children (like my teenaged son) the ‘black and white’ days seem to have little impact today. But they do.

Not only is the past is always with us, but we and our children learn from it. Often the world is shaped by regular people who turn into giants because of their convictions and courage — people like Martin Luther King, Jr. (opens in a new window) History reminds us of the power of one person.

And books allow us to revisit these people again and again.

Martin’s Big Words (opens in a new window) by Doreen Rappaport with stunning illustrations by Bryan Collier (Jump at the Sun) — for which he won a 2002 Caldecott Honor — introduces children as young as five years old to the power of words by MLK, Jr. using the weight of words and image on large pages. It remains a unique introduction to the man and the enormity of his contribution.

Not only can children (and adults) glimpse Dr. King’s life and the strength of his words, they have an opportunity to discover a way of self-expression through one author and one illustrator’s approach. Both the author and the artist add personal notes about their response to King.

Words can be bigger than the typeface in which they’re printed.

About the Author

Maria Salvadore is Reading Rockets’ consultant for children’s literature and literacy. Maria curates our themed booklists and writes the blog, Page by Page, which explores the best ways to use kids’ books both inside and outside of the classroom. She leads parent workshops for Ready To Learn (RTL) at WETA Public Broadcasting in Washington, D.C. She has also taught children’s literature at the University of Maryland, reviewed books for School Library Journal, and has served on various book award committees, including the Boston Globe/Horn Book Awards, Golden Kite, and the Caldecott Committee.

Publication Date
April 4, 2008
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