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Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You
You can be a King. Stamp out hatred. Put your foot down and walk tall.
You can be a King. Beat the drum for justice. March to your own conscience.
Featuring a dual narrative of the key moments of Dr. King's life alongside a modern class as the students learn about him, Carole Weatherford's poetic text encapsulates the moments that readers today can reenact in their own lives. See a class of young students as they begin a school project inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and learn to follow his example, as he dealt with adversity and never lost hope that a future of equality and justice would soon be a reality. As times change, Dr. King's example remains, encouraging a new generation of children to take charge and change the world . . . to be a King.
You can be a King. Beat the drum for justice. March to your own conscience.
Featuring a dual narrative of the key moments of Dr. King's life alongside a modern class as the students learn about him, Carole Weatherford's poetic text encapsulates the moments that readers today can reenact in their own lives. See a class of young students as they begin a school project inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and learn to follow his example, as he dealt with adversity and never lost hope that a future of equality and justice would soon be a reality. As times change, Dr. King's example remains, encouraging a new generation of children to take charge and change the world . . . to be a King.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published January 2, 2018
12 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Carole Boston Weatherford
106 books420 followersCarole Boston Weatherford is a children's book author and poet who mines the past for family stories, traditions, and struggles. A number of CAROLE's books tell the stories of African-American historical figures such as Harriet Tubman, Jesse Owens, and Billie Holiday. Other books recount historical events such as the Greensboro Sit-ins and the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. CAROLE's books have received a wide variety of awards, including a Caldecott Honour for “Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People To Freedom”.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 15, 2024
A Great Day to pick up a short read about this Great Human!!
November 15, 2017
Required purchase for school libraries! This picture book is a fabulous testament to Dr. King's character and legacy, giving examples of how children can "Be a King" through different actions that spread kindness and build a better world. Examples include statements such as:
"Know that bigotry hurts. Remember how you felt when treated unfairly" and "Break the chains of ignorance. Learn as much as you can."
Page spreads have only 3 lines of text, but with such a powerful message, this title can be used in classrooms of all ages with differing levels of discussion. It would also be a fabulous title to have on home bookshelves to read as a family and discuss character and doing the right thing.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Kids for the advance review copy of this title.
"Know that bigotry hurts. Remember how you felt when treated unfairly" and "Break the chains of ignorance. Learn as much as you can."
Page spreads have only 3 lines of text, but with such a powerful message, this title can be used in classrooms of all ages with differing levels of discussion. It would also be a fabulous title to have on home bookshelves to read as a family and discuss character and doing the right thing.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Kids for the advance review copy of this title.
February 9, 2019
This book begins with two quotes. The first is from the late Congresswoman Shirley Chishom: “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.” The second is from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:
“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don’t have to know Einstein’s ‘Theory of Relativity’ to serve. You don’t have to know the Second Theory of Thermal Dynamics in Physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.”
The rest of the book consists of two-page full-bleed spreads that tell and show how “You can be a King.” Each text block reflects challenges in Dr. King’s own life. Some examples include:
“You can be a King.
Know that bigotry hurts.
Remember how you felt
When treated unfairly.”
“You can be a King.
Admit that you’ve done wrong.
Just say, ‘I’m sorry,’ and mean it.”
“You can be a King.
Break the chains of ignorance.
Learn as much as you can.”
“You can be a King.
Beat the drum for justice.
March to your own conscience.”
Talented illustrator James E. Ransome employs acrylics, colored pencils, oils, and gouache. Interestingly, the artwork alternates completely in style between historic painterly depictions, and contemporary scenes in a schoolyard or classroom which feature more cartoon-like pictures.
An Author’s Note provides background on Martin Luther King Jr. with an emphasis on his calling as a humanitarian.
Evaluation: Although this book is meant for very young children, I thought the vocabulary was a bit advanced. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, if adults help explain concepts like “bigotry” and “conscience” and metaphorical “dividing walls.”
Rating: 3.5/5
“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don’t have to know Einstein’s ‘Theory of Relativity’ to serve. You don’t have to know the Second Theory of Thermal Dynamics in Physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.”
The rest of the book consists of two-page full-bleed spreads that tell and show how “You can be a King.” Each text block reflects challenges in Dr. King’s own life. Some examples include:
“You can be a King.
Know that bigotry hurts.
Remember how you felt
When treated unfairly.”
“You can be a King.
Admit that you’ve done wrong.
Just say, ‘I’m sorry,’ and mean it.”
“You can be a King.
Break the chains of ignorance.
Learn as much as you can.”
“You can be a King.
Beat the drum for justice.
March to your own conscience.”
Talented illustrator James E. Ransome employs acrylics, colored pencils, oils, and gouache. Interestingly, the artwork alternates completely in style between historic painterly depictions, and contemporary scenes in a schoolyard or classroom which feature more cartoon-like pictures.
An Author’s Note provides background on Martin Luther King Jr. with an emphasis on his calling as a humanitarian.
Evaluation: Although this book is meant for very young children, I thought the vocabulary was a bit advanced. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, if adults help explain concepts like “bigotry” and “conscience” and metaphorical “dividing walls.”
Rating: 3.5/5
June 18, 2018
I am so happy that a book like this exists! It makes a beautiful connection between King’s history and how the same concepts can (and should!) drive us today. The book is very young kid friendly and is a great scaffold to talk about Dr. King or about kindness; however, it could also be used with older kids to infer and go deeper into the lyrical language Weatherford uses. I also loved how Ransome’s illustrations changed between King’s biography and the more contemporary school narrative.
P.S. As a teacher and a person who believes in kindness and equity and acceptance and friendship, I am so happy to see conversations like this happening so freely now! My students and I speak about injustice and prejudice and equity so often now when it would have been a stigma just a few years ago to even mention race or other social justice issues. It is important to talk about race in a non-prejudicial way with children to allow them to learn and grown and reflect. Sadly, it has been through horrific injustices that has gotten us to this point, but hopefully with our future generations having these types of conversations starting at such a young age, these injustices will stop.
Full review with teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1...
P.S. As a teacher and a person who believes in kindness and equity and acceptance and friendship, I am so happy to see conversations like this happening so freely now! My students and I speak about injustice and prejudice and equity so often now when it would have been a stigma just a few years ago to even mention race or other social justice issues. It is important to talk about race in a non-prejudicial way with children to allow them to learn and grown and reflect. Sadly, it has been through horrific injustices that has gotten us to this point, but hopefully with our future generations having these types of conversations starting at such a young age, these injustices will stop.
Full review with teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1...
January 23, 2018
Be A King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream and You. Carole Boston Weatherford. Illustrated by James E. Ransome. 2018. Bloomsbury. 40 pages. [Source: Library]
First sentence: You can be a King. Marvel at creation. Keep the faith of your ancestors. You can be a King. Know that bigotry hurts. Remember how you felt when treated unfairly.
Premise/plot: Be a King is an inspirational picture book for readers of all ages. Each spread begins with the sentence: You can be a King. The book shows there are many ways that you can live out Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream right here, right now. His legacy can and will continue.
My thoughts: I definitely loved this one. I would recommend reading it at least twice, and at least one of those times should be slowly and thoughtfully--taking the time to consider how everything fits together. The illustrations show various scenes from his life, but also show school children learning about him. The past can impact the future.
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 9 out of 10
First sentence: You can be a King. Marvel at creation. Keep the faith of your ancestors. You can be a King. Know that bigotry hurts. Remember how you felt when treated unfairly.
Premise/plot: Be a King is an inspirational picture book for readers of all ages. Each spread begins with the sentence: You can be a King. The book shows there are many ways that you can live out Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream right here, right now. His legacy can and will continue.
My thoughts: I definitely loved this one. I would recommend reading it at least twice, and at least one of those times should be slowly and thoughtfully--taking the time to consider how everything fits together. The illustrations show various scenes from his life, but also show school children learning about him. The past can impact the future.
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 9 out of 10
December 15, 2020
3.5 stars. This is a very basic feel-good type of book that is tangentially about MLK, Jr. My main issue with it is that it could be about anyone who is an activist - there wasn't enough specificity about Dr. King. I am glad that there are books for younger readers about Dr. King, but this will definitely need to be supplemented with more informative texts.
January 29, 2018
A book that teaches children to rise above hate.
February 8, 2018
Would be a great read aloud for younger grades for Black History Month, text is very simple but provides kids with some actionable ideas of how they can emulate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
February 15, 2019
My grandmother would have loved this book. Young boys and girls marching forward into tomorrow to make the world a better and less divided place. It would have made her happy cry. :)
January 18, 2020
Another title we read in honor of MLK. It is not educational of MLK in a biographical sense, rather focuses on encouraging kids to act with character and integrity.
January 17, 2019
Excellent book for younger students on the subject of racism and equality.
February 25, 2019
Phrases to describe Be a King: lyrical, diverse, simple text. While the text of this picture book inspires by invoking the spirit and some of the words of Dr. King, the illustrations jump in time from present day children collaborating on a project to scenes from Dr. King's life in a way that is jarring and somewhat confusing. The storyteller has to stop to explain what each historical scene means, and they do not necessarily relate to the present day tale being told. A good title for younger children (other Dr. King books are usually for older readers), it nevertheless need to be supplemented with other titles that go into more depth about who Dr. King was and why is so important to all Americans.
March 22, 2018
Using Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr as an example, the words and illustrations inspire and exhort children they can be kings in their own way. Standing up to injustice and prejudice, helping others, supporting equal rights for all, these are all ways to be kings, or queens. Each child has the potential, no matter their color, their abilities. The illustrations are bright and bold which give the strong words that much more impact. The Author's Note at the end gives a two-page summary of Dr. King's life and his achievements.
February 3, 2020
Inspired by the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream and You, the author threads together many examples of Dr. King's highlights and important moments of his life, to inspire the young reader to follow in his footsteps.
December 8, 2017
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.
At first glance, “Be A King” seems to be a simple book, with three sentences per spread. However, on closer examination this book is so much more. The powerful text instructs the reader in ways that they can emulate Dr. King, with pages reading “You can be a King. Stand for peace. Band together against bullies.” Or “You can be a King. Make the world take notice. Do your very best at whatever you do.” The structure of the text is very engaging, and enhances the impact of the lessons. Each page starts with the same refrain of “You can be a King.”, and is followed by examples of how-with the second sentence serving as a more abstract idea, followed by a concrete example of how to bring that idea to life. This is definitely a book that can, and should be revisited over an extended period of time. Every page can inspire a different conversation about how to be a good person and how to make the world a better place. The ideas presented are relatable to children, and something that they can act on immediately. Many children want to know how they can be helpers in their families, classrooms, community, and the wider world-and this book certainly provides plenty of examples where they can get started.
As an added layer of depth, Ransom’s illustrations tell two separate, yet connected stories. On alternating pages we see a biographical representation of King’s life and defining moments. Contrasting that is a contemporary classroom of students living out the morals presented in the book, as they work on a group project honoring King. The author also includes a quote from Dr. King, as well as an author’s note which outlines King’s life and gives context to many of the illustrations.
Highly recommended for classrooms from preschool through middle school, as well as the family home library.
At first glance, “Be A King” seems to be a simple book, with three sentences per spread. However, on closer examination this book is so much more. The powerful text instructs the reader in ways that they can emulate Dr. King, with pages reading “You can be a King. Stand for peace. Band together against bullies.” Or “You can be a King. Make the world take notice. Do your very best at whatever you do.” The structure of the text is very engaging, and enhances the impact of the lessons. Each page starts with the same refrain of “You can be a King.”, and is followed by examples of how-with the second sentence serving as a more abstract idea, followed by a concrete example of how to bring that idea to life. This is definitely a book that can, and should be revisited over an extended period of time. Every page can inspire a different conversation about how to be a good person and how to make the world a better place. The ideas presented are relatable to children, and something that they can act on immediately. Many children want to know how they can be helpers in their families, classrooms, community, and the wider world-and this book certainly provides plenty of examples where they can get started.
As an added layer of depth, Ransom’s illustrations tell two separate, yet connected stories. On alternating pages we see a biographical representation of King’s life and defining moments. Contrasting that is a contemporary classroom of students living out the morals presented in the book, as they work on a group project honoring King. The author also includes a quote from Dr. King, as well as an author’s note which outlines King’s life and gives context to many of the illustrations.
Highly recommended for classrooms from preschool through middle school, as well as the family home library.
January 17, 2018
This will be one of our elementary school library read alouds every year. I shared this book in the library with students Kindergarten through 6th grade, effectively making it a One-Book One-School Event even though I just started out as wanting to share a powerful text that would create the need to have conversations about equality, racism, diversity, acceptance, and the role we all play. The words and illustrations lead us to conversations about what we must work on, role play how we could act more like Dr. King, and how regardless of our age we can choose to be part of the team that one day will make Dr. King's dream a reality. Kindness is something we all are working on and it was a topic that resurfaced during the over 20 instances I read this book aloud. Younger readers enjoyed reading the empowering sentence "You Can Be a King." every time we began exploring a new page, making the read aloud an interactive one.
The illustrations were thoughtfully intertwined: some 2 page spreads offered up every day situations where we all need to work on our "Kingship" and other spreads offered powerful images of Dr. King's work that had readers digging deep into what they knew about Dr. King, the Civil Rights Movement, Rosa Parks and connect it with what they notice about the world today, and what they can do about it.
The illustrations were thoughtfully intertwined: some 2 page spreads offered up every day situations where we all need to work on our "Kingship" and other spreads offered powerful images of Dr. King's work that had readers digging deep into what they knew about Dr. King, the Civil Rights Movement, Rosa Parks and connect it with what they notice about the world today, and what they can do about it.
December 20, 2017
Weatherford, Carole Boston Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream and You, illustrated by James E. Ransome. NONFICTION. Bloomsbury, 2018.
Be a King encourages students to stand up to bullies, admit when they've done wrong, bring down walls that divide people from each other, oppose bigotry, and commit many other nonviolent acts of empathy in order to help the world become a better, more tolerant place. An author's note at the end explains more about the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his belief in nonviolent protests against inequality.
The message in this one will likely inspire many a student. Because of the advanced vocabulary and ideas, and the lack of clarity in some of the illustrations, this one would be best read with an adult who can explain and elicit ideas from the child/children. That said, Be a King would be a terrific discussion-starter about how children can work to change the world, as an introduction to a Civil Rights unit, or, of course, in honor of Martin Luther King Day.
EL -- ADVISABLE. Reviewed by Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
Be a King encourages students to stand up to bullies, admit when they've done wrong, bring down walls that divide people from each other, oppose bigotry, and commit many other nonviolent acts of empathy in order to help the world become a better, more tolerant place. An author's note at the end explains more about the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his belief in nonviolent protests against inequality.
The message in this one will likely inspire many a student. Because of the advanced vocabulary and ideas, and the lack of clarity in some of the illustrations, this one would be best read with an adult who can explain and elicit ideas from the child/children. That said, Be a King would be a terrific discussion-starter about how children can work to change the world, as an introduction to a Civil Rights unit, or, of course, in honor of Martin Luther King Day.
EL -- ADVISABLE. Reviewed by Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
January 12, 2019
Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You
By Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrated by James E. Ransome
Thank you to @kidlitexchange for making me aware of this book. All opinions are my own.
“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve… You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.” - Martin Luther King. So begins this amazing book, Be a King. James Ransome’s illustrations help Carole Boston Weatherford’s words spring to life as she gives examples of how each of us can be a king. No matter if it’s remembering that bigotry hurts, remembering that we need to say “I’m sorry” and mean it, or remembering to stand up to bullies we learn the importance of serving others.
This is a book that needs to be on the shelves of every elementary and public library and one that needs to be shared in every elementary classroom. It’s also one that you will want to share at home. I’m sure it will prompt some great conversations about what your little ones can do to “be a king.”
By Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrated by James E. Ransome
Thank you to @kidlitexchange for making me aware of this book. All opinions are my own.
“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve… You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.” - Martin Luther King. So begins this amazing book, Be a King. James Ransome’s illustrations help Carole Boston Weatherford’s words spring to life as she gives examples of how each of us can be a king. No matter if it’s remembering that bigotry hurts, remembering that we need to say “I’m sorry” and mean it, or remembering to stand up to bullies we learn the importance of serving others.
This is a book that needs to be on the shelves of every elementary and public library and one that needs to be shared in every elementary classroom. It’s also one that you will want to share at home. I’m sure it will prompt some great conversations about what your little ones can do to “be a king.”
May 31, 2018
@kidlitexchange #partner
Thank you to @kidlitexchange for the free review copy of Be King. All opinions are my own.
Be a King is a beautiful picture book with a powerful message, reminding all of us that we can be like Dr. King in the way we live each day. Simple things like saying “I’m sorry,” standing against bullies, working hard, and being kind to others can help us “be a King.” Standing up for what is right, and for fighting for our dreams and beliefs, will help us “be a King.” We can “be a King” by standing against hatred and bigotry, and fighting for justice and peace. Even though it isn’t always easy to stand up for what is right, we ALL have the power to be strong and make the world a better place to live in!
This is a powerful book with an amazing message. I have already purchased a copy for my classroom library. It is a wonderful reminder of how we can all make a difference in the world.
Thank you to @kidlitexchange for the free review copy of Be King. All opinions are my own.
Be a King is a beautiful picture book with a powerful message, reminding all of us that we can be like Dr. King in the way we live each day. Simple things like saying “I’m sorry,” standing against bullies, working hard, and being kind to others can help us “be a King.” Standing up for what is right, and for fighting for our dreams and beliefs, will help us “be a King.” We can “be a King” by standing against hatred and bigotry, and fighting for justice and peace. Even though it isn’t always easy to stand up for what is right, we ALL have the power to be strong and make the world a better place to live in!
This is a powerful book with an amazing message. I have already purchased a copy for my classroom library. It is a wonderful reminder of how we can all make a difference in the world.
Read
June 22, 2020At the end, it gives a brief history if Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
'You can be a king
-marvel at creation. Keep the faith of your ancestors.
-know that bigotry hurts. Remember how you felt when treated unfairly.
-admit that you've done wrong. Just say, 'im sorry' and mean it.
-know that dividing walls should come down. You have glimpsed the other side.
-break the chains of ignorance. Learn as much as you can.
-stand for peace. Band together against bullies.
-sing a song of freedom keep your eyes on the prize; hold on
-stamp out hatred. Put your foot down and walk tall.
-answer your critics. Believe in your cause and state it plainly.
-have a dream. Make yours great enough to grow into.
-make the world take notice. Do your very best at whatever you do.
-beat the drum for justice. March to your own conscience.
-lift up the less fortunate. Be the king or queen of help.
-set your sights on the mountaintop. Climb a little higher every day.
'You can be a king
-marvel at creation. Keep the faith of your ancestors.
-know that bigotry hurts. Remember how you felt when treated unfairly.
-admit that you've done wrong. Just say, 'im sorry' and mean it.
-know that dividing walls should come down. You have glimpsed the other side.
-break the chains of ignorance. Learn as much as you can.
-stand for peace. Band together against bullies.
-sing a song of freedom keep your eyes on the prize; hold on
-stamp out hatred. Put your foot down and walk tall.
-answer your critics. Believe in your cause and state it plainly.
-have a dream. Make yours great enough to grow into.
-make the world take notice. Do your very best at whatever you do.
-beat the drum for justice. March to your own conscience.
-lift up the less fortunate. Be the king or queen of help.
-set your sights on the mountaintop. Climb a little higher every day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2018
Thank you to kidlitexchange for a copy of this book. As always, all opinions are my own.
Be A King, by Carole Boston Weatherford, is a perfect book to discuss such powerful topics as peace and equality that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. worked for. This would be a wonderful book for a school library. The illustrations, by James E. Ransome, are beautiful as if they are individual paintings.I loved the repetition of 'You can be a King' on each page. My kids were saying it together by the end. Weatherford does a great job of bringing these historical events into relatable, daily actions. The vocabulary is strong which makes it a great book for a higher conversation with older children as well. The back cover asks you, 'How will you be a king?' which lead to an activity together. I recommend this book.
Be A King, by Carole Boston Weatherford, is a perfect book to discuss such powerful topics as peace and equality that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. worked for. This would be a wonderful book for a school library. The illustrations, by James E. Ransome, are beautiful as if they are individual paintings.I loved the repetition of 'You can be a King' on each page. My kids were saying it together by the end. Weatherford does a great job of bringing these historical events into relatable, daily actions. The vocabulary is strong which makes it a great book for a higher conversation with older children as well. The back cover asks you, 'How will you be a king?' which lead to an activity together. I recommend this book.
June 26, 2024
Spoiler-free summary:
""Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You" by Carole Boston Weatherford is a children's book that introduces young readers to the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. It encourages them to embrace King's principles of justice, equality, and nonviolence in their own lives. Through poetic text and illustrations, the book emphasizes the importance of standing up for what is right and making a positive difference in the world, echoing King's message that anyone can be a "king" by promoting peace and equality" (ChatGPT, June 21, 2024).
Commentary:
I personally love the message that this book perceived to the audience. This is a great book to spread awareness of this every important man and a very important holiday. This is a great book that tells a great story about Martin Luther King. This book helps students feel as if whatever they believe in is important. The scenes within the story are actual illustration of scenes that have happened within Martin Luther King Jr.'s life.
Application:
In my classroom, I would use this book during before Martin Luther King Jr. Day and plan a whole lesson around learning about this certain person and what he did for America that changed it forever. We could do a variety of activities as a class, as a group, or individually. One option is to read aloud the story to the class and then have each of the students write their own speak about something they care about and have them persuade us to care about it just as much as them. Another option is visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial if possible and then bring the book with and read it while in front of the museum or after they get back from the field trip.
""Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You" by Carole Boston Weatherford is a children's book that introduces young readers to the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. It encourages them to embrace King's principles of justice, equality, and nonviolence in their own lives. Through poetic text and illustrations, the book emphasizes the importance of standing up for what is right and making a positive difference in the world, echoing King's message that anyone can be a "king" by promoting peace and equality" (ChatGPT, June 21, 2024).
Commentary:
I personally love the message that this book perceived to the audience. This is a great book to spread awareness of this every important man and a very important holiday. This is a great book that tells a great story about Martin Luther King. This book helps students feel as if whatever they believe in is important. The scenes within the story are actual illustration of scenes that have happened within Martin Luther King Jr.'s life.
Application:
In my classroom, I would use this book during before Martin Luther King Jr. Day and plan a whole lesson around learning about this certain person and what he did for America that changed it forever. We could do a variety of activities as a class, as a group, or individually. One option is to read aloud the story to the class and then have each of the students write their own speak about something they care about and have them persuade us to care about it just as much as them. Another option is visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial if possible and then bring the book with and read it while in front of the museum or after they get back from the field trip.
April 17, 2018
Thanks to the Kid Lit Exchange network for the review copy of this book – all opinions are my own.
The text of this book inspires readers on every page to follow in the footsteps of Dr. King with affirmations such as “You can be a King. Stand for peace. Band together against bullies.” The illustrations alternate between scenes from Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and a group of school children today.
This picture book would be a great read aloud in elementary classrooms at every grade. For older students, pair it with information about the life of MLK and a writing activity in which students can reflect on how they can “Be a King.” This book belongs in every elementary school library and classroom. I will be purchasing multiple copies!
The text of this book inspires readers on every page to follow in the footsteps of Dr. King with affirmations such as “You can be a King. Stand for peace. Band together against bullies.” The illustrations alternate between scenes from Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and a group of school children today.
This picture book would be a great read aloud in elementary classrooms at every grade. For older students, pair it with information about the life of MLK and a writing activity in which students can reflect on how they can “Be a King.” This book belongs in every elementary school library and classroom. I will be purchasing multiple copies!
April 2, 2018
Carole Boston Weatherford writes a simplified version of Dr. King's message, in text that would work very well in a story time for younger kids. The illustrations use different styles to go back and forth between King's life and a modern scene of children painting a mural honoring him and applying his message of peace. It's not flawless, but it is lovely and powerful. I think the book would be great for an under-the-radar social justice inspired story time, because there are definitely echoes of the current youth movement and I would love to see this read aloud beyond the token February story times.
Read
January 23, 2021In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day we read this together. It's a rather poetic and lofty look at all the ways in which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made a difference in the world. The words are accompanied by illustrations of contemporary kids trying to follow in Dr. King's footsteps. Could make for a great discussion or thought experiment -- how can you do these things in your community?
A brief but thorough afterward gives more information on Dr. King. The book as a whole was less about his life or even his specific accomplishments, and more about encouraging people to take steps in their own lives to be more engaged, involved, and caring individuals.
A brief but thorough afterward gives more information on Dr. King. The book as a whole was less about his life or even his specific accomplishments, and more about encouraging people to take steps in their own lives to be more engaged, involved, and caring individuals.
January 3, 2018
First of all, I've got say this book started off strong even before the story started with wonderful quotes by Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The picture book follows two storylines with the current day plot of a classroom working on an MLK Day project drawing parallels in King's own life via the lessons being learned. The artwork too is cleverly alternated between two different styles to mimic the dual narrative. The text would be great as an oral presentation with a group repeating the chorus of "You Can Be a King."
The picture book follows two storylines with the current day plot of a classroom working on an MLK Day project drawing parallels in King's own life via the lessons being learned. The artwork too is cleverly alternated between two different styles to mimic the dual narrative. The text would be great as an oral presentation with a group repeating the chorus of "You Can Be a King."
December 2, 2018
This is a powerful book that spreads Martin Luther King's message of the power of service, and the strength acheived by working together. Each passage has a stunning painting by James E. Ransome, or a cartoonlike illustrations he creates that children will love, accompanied by an empowering message such as, "You can be King. Have a dream. Make yours great enough to grow into." This is a beautiful book with stunning illustrations, it shares Martin Luther's message and dream for our world, a dream we must never forget, a must have for every elementary library.
December 8, 2020
This empowering picture book tells two stories through its illustrations—one story shows pivotal events in the life of Martin Luther King Jr., and the other shows a contemporary classroom where students strive to live up to the messages Dr. King championed. The text is simple (though it shares big concepts), with about three lines of text on each page, but could be expanded or dug into through group discussion. Feels like more of a teaching resource than a storytime book.
Themes: Use Your Voice, Stronger Together, Stand Up, Black is Beautiful
Age range: 5-10
Themes: Use Your Voice, Stronger Together, Stand Up, Black is Beautiful
Age range: 5-10
April 14, 2022
Complimentary copy from Raincoast books for my review. Reviewed a paperback copy.
I loved all the conversation starters provided. How would you stop bullying, how do you treat others kindly etc.
It was less about Martin Luther King Jr, and more about his ideals. Author's note provided some of MLK Jr's biography.
The illustrations were excellent, showing children and adults of different races, beliefs, abilities and genders.
Worth getting just for the conversation it provokes. :)
I loved all the conversation starters provided. How would you stop bullying, how do you treat others kindly etc.
It was less about Martin Luther King Jr, and more about his ideals. Author's note provided some of MLK Jr's biography.
The illustrations were excellent, showing children and adults of different races, beliefs, abilities and genders.
Worth getting just for the conversation it provokes. :)
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