I Am Martin Luther King, Jr. by Brad Meltzer

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today across the nation, we are celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! Just who was this historic figure?  Well, most directly he was "...an American Baptist minister, activist, humanitarian, and leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement." ...but he started out like you or I.  He observed things around him that didn't feel quite right, questioned them, and made movements to enact change.  This is the day that we celebrate his birthday and his contributions to our ever changing culture...and I could think of no better way than to shine the book spotlight on the latest addition to the Ordinary People Can Change the World series from none other than Brad Meltzer.  Ladies and gents, children of all ages, allow me to direct your attention to today's book of choice...

I Am Martin Luther King, Jr.

by

Brad Meltzer

Illustrated by

Christopher Eliopoulos

9780525428527

Dial Books

If you haven't checked out this ever growing series, I seriously suggest you do.  Whether you're two, ninety-two, or somewhere in-between, this series is edutainment at its finest.  You get full page colorful illustrations highlighting moments both well and little known in the chosen historical figure's life.  The graphics are cute enough to tantalize the little ones while accurate enough to have adults recalling their childhood days in the classroom.  In the case of Mr. King, Jr., it's release comes at a time when social equality and community standing is once again in the limelight, providing a glimpse at how far we've really come and have yet to go.  The thought bubbles along the way provide further insight into the minds of those living through the changes occurring during these memorable years while adding a graphic novel edge to once again pull the attention of younger readers just feeling out our nation's roots. 

It gives you the chance to learn about this impressive historical figure in a new way with bite size information, easier to digest, and memorable to say the least.  While I enjoyed this one cover to cover, I must say that one aspect I found most refreshing was the emphasis that both the man and the author placed on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s chosen method of protest.  Namely....PEACEFUL protest.  Think more Gandhi than guerilla.  Tensions were high, man was pitted against man, and the value that was placed on one person's life over another was called into question, yet he still choice not to act out with violence but with his voice.  Something I think that to this day the country could use a healthy reminder of.

So, whether you're in a classroom setting, story time, or in need of some cold hard facts with personality, this is definitely a book that should find a home on your bookshelf.  The illustrations are eye catching, the life shared certainly of importance; all adding up to a remarkable read to say the least.

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Special thanks to Rachel at Penguin Young Readers for the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the series, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title just released this month via Dial books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!