Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Illustrated by Bryan Collier; Hyperion Books, 2001.

© cover art Flip Schulke

“Beginning with a startling cover, which contains only the face of Martin Luther King, Jr., with his smile broad and his eyes crinkled in laughter, this title intrigues. It’s an homage in words and pictures, in which the author weaves King’s words with her own to present a brief but stately portrait of the American hero. Her sentences have a directness and symmetry that sets off King’s more transcendent, poetic quotes.” Kirkus Reviews

“Weaving in Dr. King’s own "big words," this inspiring picture book biography celebrates this great leader as preacher and politician. Rappaport’s sparse narrative captures the essentials of the man, the Civil Rights movement he led, and his policy of non-violence. This is a great book to read aloud many times.” Booklist

“A stunning, reverent tribute.” School Library Journal

“This spare and elegant portrayal reaches beyond the essential facts of King’s life and achievements to communicate, especially to young readers, the powerful legacy of [his] words.” Riverbank Review

“This is powerful stuff, big stuff, and children privileged to share Martin’s Big Words with classmates or family will begin to understand that January 15th isn’t just another day off.” The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books