I HAVE A DREAM: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ill. by Kadir Nelson

King, Jr., Dr. Martin Luther. I Have a Dream. Ill. Kadir Nelson. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books, 2012.

Plot Summary:

An excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King’s  “I Have a Dream” speech which was delivered in Washington, D.C. during the March on Washington in August, 1963. The inspiring illustrations are by award-winning artist, Kadir Nelson.  This book includes a full transcription of Dr. King’s speech in the back of the book, as well as a CD containing a recording of Dr. King delivering his speech on that historic day. 

Critical Analysis:

The moving, inspirational words from one of the greatest civil rights speeches ever delivered could easily stand alone, but when combined with the stunning and powerful illustrations by Kadir Nelson, the result is awe inspiring.  The rich and colorful oil paintings are museum quality and Kadir Nelson captures the essence of the historically significant event with bold artwork depicting the power and hope of Dr. King’s message.  Throughout the book, illustrations of black and white men, women and children are united in one common goal.  One painting in particular of a black hand and a white hand entwined together is at once inspiring and moving.  Portrayals are authentic and respectful and show the depth of emotion of the characters.  The double-page spread of children’s faces seem to be looking directly in the eye of the reader, expectant and hopeful.  Nelsons’ depictions of the majestic American landscape are mesmerizing.  This is a book worthy of displaying in every home as a symbol of hope and freedom for generations to come.

Review Excerpts:

“A glorious interpretation of a bedrock moment in 20^th century history.” Publishers Weekly (starred)

“…this handsome illustrated version will be welcomed in all collections.” School Library Journal (starred)

“An award-winning artist captures the passion and purpose of this most notable 20^th century American speech in beautifully realized oil paintings.” Kirkus (starred)

Awards:

Coretta Scott King Honor Book

Connections:

**Books about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

            Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport,          illustrated by Bryan Collier

            My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King, III, illustrated by AG Ford

           

**After reading Dear Dr. King by Jan Colbert, students can compose letters that they might have written to Dr. King asking questions about his life, his speeches and his ideas.

**Books about other civil rights leaders:

            When Thunder Came: Poems for Civil Rights Leaders by J. Patrick Lewis, illustrated by Jim Burke, R. Gregory Christie, Tonya Engle, John Parra, and Meilo So

            Sit In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

            Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles, illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue