Martin's Big Words

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

Author: Doreen Rappaport

Illustrator: Bryan Collier

Genre: Biography

Awards: Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King Honor

Age Group: 1st-3rd 

Martin's Big Words tells the story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It begins in his childhood, when he aspired to use big words just like his father. That he did! He grew up to be a pastor and a civil rights activist who would use his big words to spread love and peace while fighting for equality for all Americans. He stood with the people, not against them, and was a source of encouragement for many. He delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech about an America without segregation. He even won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in the civil rights movement. Sadly, Dr. King was killed while he was doing the work he loved and that he felt was so important, but his words and the impact of his work are still with us today.

I would use this book in my classroom for sure. It does a great job of telling Dr. King's story simply but clearly. It is a heavy topic but it is worth reading because the way that Martin Luther King, Jr. went about fighting for his beliefs in such love, peace, and boldness is very admirable. Many students recognize his name but do not know why he is famous, and this book is a great place to start. 

I would recommend this book for 1st through 3rd grade. It definitely does not go too in-depth about Martin Luther King, Jr. or about the civil rights movement, but like I said, it's a good introduction for younger kids. There are very few words throughout, but they are all big words, just as the story is about. The illustrations are amazing; the kids will love them!

One idea to go along with Martin's Big Words that I love is creating a timeline of important events that went on in his life. This could include his birth, marriage, assassination, famous "I Have a Dream" speech, bus boycott, and Nobel Peace Prize. Students could also create a flipbook with information about MLK, Jr. and about his work/how he changed segregation in America. Finally, I would have students reflect on whether or not they think that his dream came true, after reading his entire "I Have a Dream" speech.