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Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Caldecott Honor Book) (A Big Words Book, 1) Paperback – Picture Book, December 18, 2007

by Doreen Rappaport (Author), Bryan Collier (Illustrator)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,091 ratings
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This Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King Honor, and New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children’s Book picture book biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., brings his life and the profound nature of his message to young children through his own words.

Martin Luther King, Jr., was one of the most influential and gifted speakers of all time. Doreen Rappaport uses quotes from some of his most beloved speeches to tell the story of his life and his work in a simple, direct way. Bryan Collier's stunning collage art combines remarkable watercolor paintings with vibrant patterns and textures. A timeline and a list of additional books and websites help make this a standout biography of Dr. King.
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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    5 - 8 years, from customers
  2. Part of series
    A Big Words Book
  3. Print length
    40 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Lexile measure
    AD610L
  6. Dimensions
    10 x 0.23 x 11 inches
  7. Publisher
    Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
  8. Publication date
    December 18, 2007
  9. ISBN-10
    1423106350
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1423106357
  11. See all details
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From the Publisher

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Frederick's Journey Abe's Honest Words Jack's Path of Courage Helen's Big World Wilma's Way Home Ellen Takes Flight
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Price $15.66 $14.65 $14.73 $9.99 $18.99 $15.39
Learn about historical figures in their own words with Doreen Rappaport's Big Words series. A moving portrait of the extraordinary life of Frederick Douglass. An epic portrait of a truly great American president: Abraham Lincoln. A moving portrait of a popular, charismatic president: John F. Kennedy. An unforgettable portrait of a Helen Keller, whose vision for progress changed America. The courageous life story of Wilma Mankiller, the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation. Celebrate the groundbreaking life of astronaut and Johnson Space Center director Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina in space.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Beginning with the 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....Readers will hear [King's] voice echo in this presentation."―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

About the Author

Doreen Rappaport has written numerous award-winning books for children, including Freedom Ship and The School Is Not White (both illustrated by Curtis James); Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book illustrated by Bryan Collier; and John's Secret Dreams: The Life of John Lennon, also illustrated by Bryan Collier.

Bryan Collier's first book, Uptown, published in 2000, received a Coretta Scott King (CSK) Illustrator Award, as well as an Ezra Jack Keats Award. The same year, Freedom River, which he illustrated, received a CSK Illustrator Honor Award. He is the illustrator of Martin's Big Words, for which he received his first Caldecott Honor Award and a CSK Honor Award. He received his second Caldecott Honor Award in 2006, as well as another CSK Award for Rosa, written by Nikki Giovanni. He is also a New York Times bestseller with Barack Obama, written by Nikki Grimes, which reached the #1 spot in picture books during its 20 weeks on the list and received a 2009 NAACP Image Award for Best Children’s Book, and has illustrated many other acclaimed, award-winning titles. 

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; 32004th edition (December 18, 2007)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1423106350
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1423106357
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 5 - 8 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD610L
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10 x 0.23 x 11 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,091 ratings

About the author

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Doreen Rappaport

Doreen Rappaport

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Doreen Rappaport is known for her ground-breaking approach to multicultural history and stories for young readers. In her many award-winning books, she brings attention to not-yet-celebrated Americans, along with well-known figures.

A former teacher of music and reading, Doreen knows how to capture children's attention. Her dynamic formats engage even the most reluctant readers.

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is an Orbis Pictus Honor Book, Coretta Scott King Honor Book, Caldecott Honor Book for Illustration, ALA Notable Book, and is on the Blue Ribbon list of the Bulletin Center for Children's Books.

We Are The Many: A Picture Book of American Indians, introduces the accomplishments of sixteen distinguished American Indians.

Her classic Escape From Slavery presents the history of the Underground Railroad through adventure stories.

The Boston Coffee Party introduces children to a neglected event in history books and shows the active roles played by women during the Revolutionary War.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
1,091 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Oh My Bookness
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read for young readers
Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2013
Verified Purchase
Book: Martins Big Words
The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
By: Doreen Rampart
Illustrated by: Bryan Collier

December 19 2013

Martins Big Words; The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by Doreen Rampart and Illustrated by Bryan Collier. "Martins Big Words-The Life of Dr.Martins Luther King,Jr." by Doreen Rappaport and Illustrated by: Bryan Collier, discusses some of the important things that took place during his life up to his death. A wonderfully illustrated picture book nestled with facts of Martin Luther King Jr's early life and to his early demise with quotations taken from different parts of his life to back up each small statement.

When Martin was young he remembered seeing signs that said "White only" but he then would Remember what his mother told him " you are a good as as anyone", which is was more than true cause he would grow up to play a great part in history and a part in the Civil rights movement. The quote made Martin happy, but so did listening to his father at church preach which had a profound influence over him. He said " when I grow up I'm going to get big words, too", and he did.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a man fighting for peace and non-violence amongst demonstrations during the civil rights movement. He had faith that prejudice would be erased and the "white only" signs would come down an "sooner or later, all the people in the world will have to discover a way to live together.".Black Americans protested for equal rights but white politician's administers ordered them to stop and when they refused they were arrested. Over three hundred years fighting for equality and the end of prejudice was going to take longer and for being murdered for the skin color that wasn't excepted by the white community. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded the world that "Love is the key to the problems of the world.". Eventually more Americans were listening and actually understanding, and then his words were heard all around the world and listened to his dream that all people around the world will one day treat each other as brothers and sisters no matter what color of their skin. It was a great day for him to win the noble peace prize in 1964 teaching people to fight with words and not with weapons, unfortunately not everyone felt that way in 1968 he was shot and died.

The author and illustrator weave together a story to help children understand what took place in a trying time during struggle for civil rights. The beautiful collage style imagery draws you in and helps strengthens the message of story. A great way to introduce a young one to a historical figure and a powerful time in history, with a message that speaks volumes.
6 people found this helpful
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Bethany
5.0 out of 5 stars Caldecott Award: Picture book, Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2012
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Martin's Big Words: The Life Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a picture book and so much more than that. The illustrations in the book are extravagant and story telling all in themselves. Illustrator Bryan Collier, really captures the feelings and emotions in every persons eyes. You can feel the pain and heart in all the pictures of Dr. King and even in the children. The stained glass murals are breath taking and capture the readers mind. This book could have gone without having any words in it and I would still use it as an informational and inspirational book for a classroom. However, author Doreen Rappaport added a tale that set this book above the standards and won it an award. Rappaport sets the mood correctly and tells the story of the legend we know; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This book is informative in all the right ways. Although Rappaport used simple and to the point sentences, all her words are expressed perfectly in such a way that you can really learn about the impact Dr. King had on our country and Civil Rights.
With such beautiful illustrations and outstanding terminology, the duo made a picture book that will be read for years and years. It is important to educate people on their country's history and this book does just the right amount of teaching for beginning learners.
One person found this helpful
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Bookworm Jess
5.0 out of 5 stars A Classroom Essential!
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2012
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Doreen Rappaport worked with illustrator Bryan Collier to create Martin's Big Words, the distinguished Coretta Scott King Honor picture book that accurately portrays Dr. Martin's life, through beautiful pictures and powerful text. What I like most about Martin's Big Words is the way it emphasized the core principals of Dr. King's philosophy; like pacifism, peace, equality and love. Rappaport's text is interwoven with carefully chosen excerpts or "big words" from King's own speeches; which she found to be "simple and direct, yet profound and poetic". Collier used water colors and collage as his medium and the striking pictures are both realistic and abstract in nature while illustrating Rappaport's biographical storyline. I thought the warm colors of the magnificent portraits complimented the intricate multi-colored stained glass windows that were symbolic throughout.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it will definitely be a part of my classroom library. I find Collier's work to be impeccable and after further investigation, I believe this talented African American artist will be included in the children's literature cannon of the future, for his honest and unique representations of African Americans in children's literature. There is also a Historical Timeline at the back of the book which lists the important events in Martin Luther King Jr.'s life, as well as significant dates of the Civil Rights Movement; this timeline would be an excellent segue for history or social studies lessons.
2 people found this helpful
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Florappaloosier
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book! We bought a ton of copies and ...
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2015
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Wonderful book! We bought a ton of copies and gave them away at our annual MLK celebration to families that came with children. The books were a huge hit and we ran out in 15 minutes! We plan to do the same thing next year.

The great thing about this book is that it works for a large age range. Kids who are 4 years old can grasp the concepts as someone reads to them and it can hold the attention of a 12 year old as well. On top of that, the artwork is incredible and possibly my favorite part of the book. This is not a detailed account of the life of MLK, but it does provide the highlights and captures them in a way that portrays his message very well. Buy it! You will not regret it.
5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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HPM
5.0 out of 5 stars First Steps...
Reviewed in Canada on February 25, 2020
Verified Purchase
This is a good introductory book on MLK. Not being African-American ourselves, I wanted to introduce my kids to the civil rights movement and MLK and this book was useful. I recommend it highly.
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Bianca Bonassi Ribeiro
5.0 out of 5 stars Muito bom!
Reviewed in Brazil on December 10, 2018
Verified Purchase
Comprei esse livro para meus filhos e é um exemplar muito bonito, desenhos impecáveis! Trata-se de uma curta biografia de Dr, MArtin Luther King e toda a causa defendida por ele.
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Red Bus Book and Theatre Lover
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book, short enough to read aloud, using Martin Luther King's actual words
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 11, 2018
Verified Purchase
What a beautiful and important book! It tells the story of Martin Luther King Jr's life simply. It alternates between Luther King's own words and those of the storyteller. It would be so useful in school to introduce children to Luther King's important legacy but also the ideas of non-violent protest (Ghandi's ideas are also referenced).
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Nina
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!!
Reviewed in France on December 10, 2013
Verified Purchase
A lire, à offrir, à relire... Un discourt simple et profond qui parle de force, de rêve, de réalité et de paix!... A mettre dans les mains de tous les enfants!!
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Unga Bunga
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 29, 2016
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Goods as described. Fast shipping. Highly recommend
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