Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier, is a picture-book biography about Martin Luther King’s life and accomplishments.
The book begins with Martin as a young boy walking through his hometown and seeing signs that read “whites only”. “Every time Martin read the words, he felt bad, until he remembered what his mother told him: you are as good as anyone else”. From there the book dives into the major events that shaped King’s life, becoming a minister and when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus. The conclusion of the book admires King’s accomplishments and explains why he is apart of our history. Weaved beautifully throughout the book are actual quotes from King’s writings and speeches. The book also received three awards: Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King Award, and the Best Illustrated Children’s book from the NY Times.
Curriculum Connections
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr could be used as an introduction tool for learning about King’s contributions and how he shaped the future for Americans. This book can be used for SOL:
2.11 Students will identify Martin Luther King as an American whose contributions improved the lives of other Americans
3.11 (b) Explain the many contribuations Martin Luther King made that helped form our government
3.12 Americans are people of diverse ethnic orginis, customs, and traditions
Additional Resources
- Martin’s Big Words: Discussion Guide: Scholastic provides teachers with a lesson plan that uses the book to teach about King’s life and accomplishments.
- “I Have a Dream”: A free worksheet where students can copy the “I have a Dream” speech and write about their favorite parts.
- Arts and Craft Projects for MLK Day: This site provides you with countless activities and projects to do on Martin Luther King Day. Some activities include: a black and white collage and a black history month quilt. These activities would be a great extension for the book as well.
Book: Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
Author: Doreen Rappaport
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Publisher: Hyperion Book
Publication Date: December 2007
Pages: 40 pages
Grade Range: 2-4
ISBN:1423106350