Martin's Big Words

Martin's Big Words was written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier.  It is a Coretta Scott King Honor Book, a Caldecott Honor Book, an A.L.A. Notable Children's Book Award winner, and an Orbus Pictus Award winner.

     This is a beautifully written biographical book about the life and times of Martin Luther King Jr.  It chronicles events from his life where he learned that working toward a goal, no matter how difficult, can be done in a positive way.  Inspired by quotes from King, the story flows through major events in the historical struggle for equal rights for everyone no matter their skin color.  The illustrations are a combination of watercolor pictures and collage that lend themselves perfectly to the symbolism the illustrator had intended.  His metaphor of stained glass windows weaves a perfect story throghout the book.

Rappaport, D., & Collier, B. (2001). Martin's big words: the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.