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March On!: The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s, sister remembers the March on Washington.
From Dr. Martin Luther King's sister, the definitive tribute to the man, the march, and the speech that changed a nation.
From Dr. Martin Luther King's sister, the definitive tribute to the man, the march, and the speech that changed a nation.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 3, 2017
This book is written by Martin's sister about him and about what she remembers from the March on Washington. This is a tribute to the Martin, the march, and his speech that changed the USA.
My students really enjoyed the illustrations and the story that this book told. They highly suggest it :)
My students really enjoyed the illustrations and the story that this book told. They highly suggest it :)
May 2, 2023
The main genre of this book is historical fiction, fitting the criteria that this story’s event occurred twenty or more years ago, and contains relevant and accurate contents, however, it has some elements that can categorize it as a biography book, since this is written by the author Christine King Farris, who is Martin’s sister. This story is based on the historical figure Martin Luther King Jr. and tells an impactful and insightful story of the significance of what King did in his lifetime. This book can be deemed appropriate for children around the ages of nine and twelve. The author is able to capture important details while also creatively having the narration be told from the perspective of one of King’s siblings, and telling this story in another approach, translating it to reveal Martin in a down-to-earth manner rather than just a powerful historic idol. This is a WOW book for me since it portrayed this iconic historical figure in a more approachable manner. Having this new perspective of Martin Luther King Jr. really gives more of an appreciation towards him and his work.
The author portrayed anti-bias perspectives in this book by introducing Martin Luther King Jr in an authentic manner, constructing his characterization to view as a more man-like light rather than a historic powerhouse. It contains a well-researched and informed perspective not only on King and the significance he did during that specific time period and what he fought for. Revealing the magnitude it holds for someone of color speaking up for what they believed and the civil rights movement.
The author portrayed anti-bias perspectives in this book by introducing Martin Luther King Jr in an authentic manner, constructing his characterization to view as a more man-like light rather than a historic powerhouse. It contains a well-researched and informed perspective not only on King and the significance he did during that specific time period and what he fought for. Revealing the magnitude it holds for someone of color speaking up for what they believed and the civil rights movement.
March 20, 2018
Martin Luther King Jr.'s sister, Christine, recounts the day of the March and his 'I Have A Dream Speech' in Washington D.C. I listened to this on audiobook and I was able to finish it in under twenty minutes, which was nice, and I'm glad I did because there were pieces from that day inserted into the audiobook from Martin's speech to Mahala Jackson singing and I really enjoyed that. I loved the overall message and it was something through Martin's actions that conveyed it which is that words do have a lot more meaning and not everything has to resort to violence. I do, however, wish this was a bit longer, but I do understand that this is a children's book, but if anyone gets the chance to read this, then I would highly recommend the audiobook because it enhanced the experience a lot more versus if I were to read the book.
January 7, 2021
A version of the creation of MLK Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, written by his sister. This is a bit less nuanced than the books I tend to prefer about "heroes", not really acknowledging any faults, but that is more easily forgiven in this case, since it is his sister writing. Overall, it tell the story well, and it is a decent intro to that particular moment in history.
October 29, 2017
Summary: This is a tribute to Martin Luther King written by his sister. She goes into the lasting impact he made on his March on Washington, speeches, and many other incredible things that he did during his time fighting for the rights of African Americans.
Evaluation: I gave this book 5 stars. It is so touching and it provides a different point of view from usual stories about MLK. I thought it made it much more personal that this was coming from the view point of his sister. It adds to the emotional intensity of such incredible events that shaped our nation.
Teaching Idea: I would use this when talking about the Civil Rights Movement. I would read this to my students and have them write down how the story made them feel and how they think that his sister and other family members may have felt during this time period. I would want this story to help them take these events to heart to promote change in future generations.
Evaluation: I gave this book 5 stars. It is so touching and it provides a different point of view from usual stories about MLK. I thought it made it much more personal that this was coming from the view point of his sister. It adds to the emotional intensity of such incredible events that shaped our nation.
Teaching Idea: I would use this when talking about the Civil Rights Movement. I would read this to my students and have them write down how the story made them feel and how they think that his sister and other family members may have felt during this time period. I would want this story to help them take these events to heart to promote change in future generations.
February 4, 2022
Text to World Connection
This book is a great way to introduce Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to young students. This book tells the story of a young boy that had a dream that taught the power of words, how important it is to work together, and how to raise your voice to be heard. His dream told a story about if love was in your heart, there would be no room to hate. This book is told from Christine (one of his sisters) point of view. It allows a look at how she viewed her brother. This is a great way to discuss difficult concepts like race, diversity, and unfairness. This book is the perfect way to create an understanding for young children.
This book is a great way to introduce Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to young students. This book tells the story of a young boy that had a dream that taught the power of words, how important it is to work together, and how to raise your voice to be heard. His dream told a story about if love was in your heart, there would be no room to hate. This book is told from Christine (one of his sisters) point of view. It allows a look at how she viewed her brother. This is a great way to discuss difficult concepts like race, diversity, and unfairness. This book is the perfect way to create an understanding for young children.
March 9, 2011
I watched this on a DVD produced by Scholastic. The DVD entitled "Storybook Treasures: A Read-Along DVD", contains the readings of four stories published by Scholastic, including this one which was authored by his sister, Christine, and read by Lynn Whitfield. I only watched the March On! part of the DVD.
It is a DVD, so it shows the illustrations from the book as well as true photographs. It is about her brother's childhood, his preparation for the speech, and the deliverance of the speech to thousands of people at the Washington monument in 1963.
Really well produced for visual learners: the text of the book become blue as she reads the words. There is a mix of illustrations and real photographs and what you are going to get here and not the book is music - appropriately time related music plus the treasure of Mahalia Jackson singing.
It includes a live interview with his sister, Christine, a professor of education at Spellman College in Atlanta, GA. about him, their normal childhood (so others can be inspired by its normalcy) and their ancestry)
The rest of the DVD contains: Martin's Big Words, Rosa, and Henry's Freedom Box.
This was really way more than I expected when I borrowed it from the library. It's intended audience is 4 to 10. and I kept thinking in this age of visual, Internet or whatever learners,what a really informative,concise and thorough telling this is of an event, singular, not the whole movement. Really well done.
I could see this as part of any curriculum for black history, biographies, Atlanta/Chicago in the 1960s. I was really impressed.
It is a DVD, so it shows the illustrations from the book as well as true photographs. It is about her brother's childhood, his preparation for the speech, and the deliverance of the speech to thousands of people at the Washington monument in 1963.
Really well produced for visual learners: the text of the book become blue as she reads the words. There is a mix of illustrations and real photographs and what you are going to get here and not the book is music - appropriately time related music plus the treasure of Mahalia Jackson singing.
It includes a live interview with his sister, Christine, a professor of education at Spellman College in Atlanta, GA. about him, their normal childhood (so others can be inspired by its normalcy) and their ancestry)
The rest of the DVD contains: Martin's Big Words, Rosa, and Henry's Freedom Box.
This was really way more than I expected when I borrowed it from the library. It's intended audience is 4 to 10. and I kept thinking in this age of visual, Internet or whatever learners,what a really informative,concise and thorough telling this is of an event, singular, not the whole movement. Really well done.
I could see this as part of any curriculum for black history, biographies, Atlanta/Chicago in the 1960s. I was really impressed.
July 8, 2013
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s older sister tells the story of the March on Washington, bringing young readers into a personal perspective of this momentous event. “Martin’s words were as loud as thunder. When he spoke, I could feel myself filling with pride … the kind of pride that comes from seeing your very own brother touch so many people in such a big way.” Look especially for the audiobook recording of this inspiring book, complete with musical excerpts that set the tone for the day.
January 16, 2025
Written by MLK’s older sister, this story describes how the “I Have a Dream” speech came to be and why it continues to inspire people of all ages and all walks of life to keep the dream alive long after the great March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963.
“My brother worked very hard on his speeches. He understood how important each and every one of his words would be. He wrote them, and he scratched them out, and wrote down some more. Martin practiced reading his speeches over and over again.
He stayed up all night in his hotel room. Not once did he stop to eat, or even lay his head down on his pillow for a quick nap. That was Martin. Even if he’d wanted to sleep, he couldn’t—the words of his speech kept him awake. His speech wouldn’t let him rest.”
Though text heavy, the weight of the narrative is lifted by engaging illustrations that depict some of the most important and iconic moments and memes of that momentous day.
“My brother worked very hard on his speeches. He understood how important each and every one of his words would be. He wrote them, and he scratched them out, and wrote down some more. Martin practiced reading his speeches over and over again.
He stayed up all night in his hotel room. Not once did he stop to eat, or even lay his head down on his pillow for a quick nap. That was Martin. Even if he’d wanted to sleep, he couldn’t—the words of his speech kept him awake. His speech wouldn’t let him rest.”
Though text heavy, the weight of the narrative is lifted by engaging illustrations that depict some of the most important and iconic moments and memes of that momentous day.
January 21, 2019
Christine King Farris wrote March On!, a picture book about her brother as a speech writer, an orator, and someone who knew how to inspire and move a crowd. She gives a nod to the Big Six: James Farmer, John Lewis, A. Philip Randolph, Bayard Rustin, Roy Wilkins, and Whitney Young.
Again, this picture book has illustrations that are inspiring and moving.
However, the picture book, usually a staple for kinder and first grade, alienates those same readers. This book is written for fourth and fifth grade level readers, if not for adults.
Christine King Farris gives more of a timeline / bio rather than telling any particular story and breathing life into one specific event. The benefit is that young readers are familiarized with MLK and his accomplishments. The disadvantage is that it's rather dry reading. Facts. Figures. Names. Places. Long on details. Short on storytelling.
Again, this picture book has illustrations that are inspiring and moving.
However, the picture book, usually a staple for kinder and first grade, alienates those same readers. This book is written for fourth and fifth grade level readers, if not for adults.
Christine King Farris gives more of a timeline / bio rather than telling any particular story and breathing life into one specific event. The benefit is that young readers are familiarized with MLK and his accomplishments. The disadvantage is that it's rather dry reading. Facts. Figures. Names. Places. Long on details. Short on storytelling.
December 12, 2017
What an incredible story, and narrated by Martin Luther King Jr.'s sister, nonetheless! This picturebook is impactful, historical, and powerful. London Ladd's illustrations only add to Farris' narrative, and only in the utmost beautiful way. This is definitely a book to break out during February in your classroom, home, or daycare. One thing that I truly admire about this book--which is likely due to the fact that his sister wrote this--is that it doesn't matyrize Martin Luther King Jr.--it just represents him as a whole.
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
November 13, 2019
A beautifully illustrated and beautifully told story of the March on Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s part in it as told by his sister. I liked how the story started with Martin editing and preparing his speech the whole night long before the march. It was a private glimpse of a man who crafted the most notable speech of our time and then led to meeting with the six march organizers, then meeting with members of Congress until Martin and the organizers joined in the crowd to get to the Lincoln Memorial. The telling of the story relayed the rise of emotions perfectly.
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April 17, 2020I think that this book was inspiring, from the beginning to the end- and the perspective. Martin was a powerful man- I think everyone looks up to Martin. I think this book shows the story of Martin Luther King Jr.- from his sister's perspective. I think perspective is a big part of this story- if the story was from a white person at that time- who didn't like Martin, no good things would be in the story.
October 14, 2019
Genre: Biography Grade: 1-5
This book had been about Martian Luther King’s life leading up to the speech that he had prepared for Washington DC. Knowing that he had many years of experience with public speaking because he was a reverend at a church. Though this had been the most impactful speech that he had written and how thousands of people came to hear him speak at Washington.
This book had been about Martian Luther King’s life leading up to the speech that he had prepared for Washington DC. Knowing that he had many years of experience with public speaking because he was a reverend at a church. Though this had been the most impactful speech that he had written and how thousands of people came to hear him speak at Washington.
Read
January 14, 2022A personal account of watching Martin Luther King, Jr. prepare diligently for his now famous “I have a dream” speech, as well as about the march itself as seen on television, by King's sister. Brings to light Dr. King’s unwavering belief in nonviolence, and his beautiful use of powerful language that galvanized the country.
December 11, 2018
Biography, 2008
This book provides a new and powerful perspective on the day of the “I Have a Dream” speech. The book is written by Martin Luther King Jr.’s sister, and would be an amazing book to read in any grade classroom for MLK day studies!
This book provides a new and powerful perspective on the day of the “I Have a Dream” speech. The book is written by Martin Luther King Jr.’s sister, and would be an amazing book to read in any grade classroom for MLK day studies!
January 16, 2021
This was an excellent insight into the March on Washington. I wish it included more family background about how Dr. King grew up, and more than just one quote from the speech, but the clear love of Dr. King’s sister for her brother made up for those missing pieces.
January 22, 2021
One of my top 3 to read about Dr. MLK Jr. I loved the perspective from his sister and how you can tell she loved her brother and admired him so. This book has lots of words, so I would say for ages 8+ that can hold their attention and listen. Excellent!
March 24, 2017
MLK, we remember his message and how that message powered a nation to change.
September 28, 2017
Genre: Biography
Unique Feature: MLK's sister writes about her brother giving the "I Have a Dream" speech
Grade: 3-5
Unique Feature: MLK's sister writes about her brother giving the "I Have a Dream" speech
Grade: 3-5
March 10, 2018
Great book from a sister point of view on a day that change the world.
January 15, 2020
The audio of this is incredible!!! The reader is incredible.
January 27, 2022
I liked how this book incorporate lines from the “I Have a Dream” speech and the artwork in the book.
April 5, 2024
3.5 stars
January 20, 2026
beautiful illustrations 5/5
his sister wrote the text 4/5
his sister wrote the text 4/5
April 25, 2015
This book is another inspiring because it details a historic event in history, told from the perspective of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s sister Christine King Farris. She details her life and the significance of having Martin Luther King as her brother, especially during this time in history when the Civil Rights Movement was at its peak. Christine King Farris shares her opinions and feelings of the events that took place and how that impacted herself and her family. The illustrations look as though they are painted on the page. This allows the reader to complete the image in their mind by understanding how the text and the images go together.
Since this book is very picture heavy, teachers can have students examine a picture and create their own description of what they think is represented. This activity can be done with any age level because the length and components of the description can vary depending on the grade. This is a wonderful book to have in the classroom because I think it is important for students to hear multiple perspectives regarding the same topic. During that time period in history, there were different points of view that didn’t just depend on race, but also on gender. By comparing a book told from Martin’s perspective, to a book told by Christine’s perspective, readers are able to compare and contrast details and feelings. Regardless of age, this book can be utilized for all students in grades K-12.
Since this book is very picture heavy, teachers can have students examine a picture and create their own description of what they think is represented. This activity can be done with any age level because the length and components of the description can vary depending on the grade. This is a wonderful book to have in the classroom because I think it is important for students to hear multiple perspectives regarding the same topic. During that time period in history, there were different points of view that didn’t just depend on race, but also on gender. By comparing a book told from Martin’s perspective, to a book told by Christine’s perspective, readers are able to compare and contrast details and feelings. Regardless of age, this book can be utilized for all students in grades K-12.
February 27, 2012
Would be a great read aloud accompanied with a YouTube video of MLK Jr. speaking on the Washington Mall in DC in August 28, 1963. MLK's sister is the narrator and she describes his preparation of the "I have a dream" speech and the power of the words on the 250,000 marchers present that day. Other civil rights leaders like James Farmer, John Lewis, Bayard Rustin and more are briefly introduced as well as the gospel singer Mahalia Jackson whom MLK Jr. asked to sing as a way to bring the crowd together to receive his words. Author's note summarizes the event and would make for easy reading aloud as well. Would be a good book for a text set on the Civil Rights Movement.
Five Recommended Read Alouds as part of integrated unit on civil rights period -
1) My Brother Martin by Farris
2) Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down by Pinkney
3) Delivering Justice: W. W. Law and the Fight for Civil Rights by Haskins
4) March On! by Farris
5) Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez by Krull
Each book lends itself to discussion about the following essential questions:
1) What is social justice?
2) How would you describe key figures who were activists in the civil rights movements? What is textual evidence to support your points?
Five Recommended Read Alouds as part of integrated unit on civil rights period -
1) My Brother Martin by Farris
2) Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down by Pinkney
3) Delivering Justice: W. W. Law and the Fight for Civil Rights by Haskins
4) March On! by Farris
5) Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez by Krull
Each book lends itself to discussion about the following essential questions:
1) What is social justice?
2) How would you describe key figures who were activists in the civil rights movements? What is textual evidence to support your points?
October 15, 2014
This awesome picture book is told from the viewpoint of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s older sister, Christine King Farris. It is a personal, celebratory account of the 1963 March on Washington. Farris tracks back to childhood, when she and her brother were raised to do well but not to brag about it. This book is age-appropriate and children can understand what is represented. She also tells about the night before the march, when Dr. King stayed up to work on his speech until the very last minute, and a beautiful close-up portrait shows him, pen in hand, in his hotel room. The book illustrations are accurate in terms of setting, plot, and characters. The illustrations certainly hold the children’s interest while the text is read. The book’s main focus, though, is on the march itself. The author of this book is certainly apart of the group represented. This book correlates to my chosen cultural topic of African American cultures being that the storyline describes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 1963 Speech and March on Washington. Dr. Martin Luther King is a predominate figure in the African American culture as well as other cultures.
September 30, 2012
Grade/interest level: Upper Elementary
Reading level: 860L (lexile.com)
Genre: Multicultural Literature
Main Characters: Martin Luther King, Christine King
Setting: Washington D.C.
POV: first person, Christine King
Martin Luther King's sister, Christine King, accounts of moments before MLK gave her "I Have A Dream Speech" in front of the Lincoln Memorial and gives readers insight into their family and the context of that time.
Although it's interesting to hear Christine King's point of view on her brother's life, I personally didn't feel engaged with the story. This is a book I would use to test student's background knowledge or emergent knowledging as we studied the Civil Rights Movement, but I don't think it's interesting enough to start a unit off with. I also wasn't impressed with the writing because it felt trite, but that's just how I felt.
Reading level: 860L (lexile.com)
Genre: Multicultural Literature
Main Characters: Martin Luther King, Christine King
Setting: Washington D.C.
POV: first person, Christine King
Martin Luther King's sister, Christine King, accounts of moments before MLK gave her "I Have A Dream Speech" in front of the Lincoln Memorial and gives readers insight into their family and the context of that time.
Although it's interesting to hear Christine King's point of view on her brother's life, I personally didn't feel engaged with the story. This is a book I would use to test student's background knowledge or emergent knowledging as we studied the Civil Rights Movement, but I don't think it's interesting enough to start a unit off with. I also wasn't impressed with the writing because it felt trite, but that's just how I felt.
October 8, 2013
Title: March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World by Christine King Farris
Short Description of the Book: Told through the eyes of his sister, Martin Luther King Jr. and his beliefs shine during a critical time in American history.
Focus: I would use this informational text to teach the importance of concrete details in writing.
Teach:W8.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
1. Students would be given an example of concrete and non-concrete details from the text to identify.
2. After reviewing, students would be given non-concrete details from the text to revise and add more explicit words to make the statements concrete.
Expected Outcome: Students could identify and use concrete details in their own writing.
Short Description of the Book: Told through the eyes of his sister, Martin Luther King Jr. and his beliefs shine during a critical time in American history.
Focus: I would use this informational text to teach the importance of concrete details in writing.
Teach:W8.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
1. Students would be given an example of concrete and non-concrete details from the text to identify.
2. After reviewing, students would be given non-concrete details from the text to revise and add more explicit words to make the statements concrete.
Expected Outcome: Students could identify and use concrete details in their own writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews