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Martin Luther King Jr.: Voice for Equality!
A graphic biography of civil rights leader and American icon Martin Luther King Jr.
This graphical biography tells the story of the most prominent leader of the American civil rights movement. With full-color illustrations and a historically accurate narrative, Martin Luther King Voice for Equality! will inform and entertain readers of all ages. From his childhood in Atlanta to his rise as an international icon of human rights and a fiery orator who refused to back down in the face of adversity, King’s life story serves as an ongoing source of inspiration.
This graphical biography tells the story of the most prominent leader of the American civil rights movement. With full-color illustrations and a historically accurate narrative, Martin Luther King Voice for Equality! will inform and entertain readers of all ages. From his childhood in Atlanta to his rise as an international icon of human rights and a fiery orator who refused to back down in the face of adversity, King’s life story serves as an ongoing source of inspiration.
96 pages, Hardcover
Published March 26, 2019
5 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
James Buckley Jr.
298 books70 followersIn addition to his work as a professional editor, James Buckley, Jr., is also the author of many books on American sports that are geared toward young fans and budding athletes.
Buckley, who has founded a company called Shoreline Publishing Group to produce books for reluctant readers, maintains that sports are far more than simple hobbies or ways to burn off excess energy.
Buckley, who has founded a company called Shoreline Publishing Group to produce books for reluctant readers, maintains that sports are far more than simple hobbies or ways to burn off excess energy.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 15, 2019
This graphic novel wonderfully summarizes the powerful life story of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his peaceful fight for civil rights in the United States.
I especially liked that many exact quotes from MLK, Jr. and others are used as the dialogue, but some of the dialogue is conjecture and added to enhance the story, imagining what might have been said in various situations. I'm always on the lookout for reputable historical books, and I felt that the history here was accurate and true to actual events.
I really liked the cartoon art style, but felt like it could have been a little more polished. However, the colors are vibrant, and the illustrations really show the emotions of the people, bringing the reader right into the history of the time, and making it real. Each panel has an emotional charge and a good sense of action that pushes the story forward.
I thought it was a nice touch to have a glossary in the back of the book for younger readers who are still building their vocabulary. I would recommend this graphic novel to readers aged 7-17.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Media Masters Publicity in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I especially liked that many exact quotes from MLK, Jr. and others are used as the dialogue, but some of the dialogue is conjecture and added to enhance the story, imagining what might have been said in various situations. I'm always on the lookout for reputable historical books, and I felt that the history here was accurate and true to actual events.
I really liked the cartoon art style, but felt like it could have been a little more polished. However, the colors are vibrant, and the illustrations really show the emotions of the people, bringing the reader right into the history of the time, and making it real. Each panel has an emotional charge and a good sense of action that pushes the story forward.
I thought it was a nice touch to have a glossary in the back of the book for younger readers who are still building their vocabulary. I would recommend this graphic novel to readers aged 7-17.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Media Masters Publicity in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
May 22, 2019
I REALLY liked this book. It teaches so much in that wonderful graphic-novel format my kids are obsessed with.
My book breakdown:
96 pages
Full color illustrations in graphic novel format
Best for ages: 7+
Educational factor: medium high
Christian content: yes, I appreciated how much King's religion was spoken of
Parents could be concerned about: The violence of civil rights movement and King's murder are referenced.
Link to my full review: https://agoodreid.blogspot.com/2019/0...
My book breakdown:
96 pages
Full color illustrations in graphic novel format
Best for ages: 7+
Educational factor: medium high
Christian content: yes, I appreciated how much King's religion was spoken of
Parents could be concerned about: The violence of civil rights movement and King's murder are referenced.
Link to my full review: https://agoodreid.blogspot.com/2019/0...
May 10, 2019
Follow along with Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam as they walk you through the pages of history sharing the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Readers who are fans of comics will love going back in time to review the story of Dr. King from his early childhood until the last moments of his life. Illustrated boxes with speech and thought balloons keep the storyline short and sweet but still provide plenty of story to get the reader engaged in the history of events. Side-bar commentary is shared with images of Lady Liberty along with Uncle Sam, presented in a modern perspective, sharing little known facts for readers to absorb.
Readers will love the illustrations that perfectly capture the emotion of the time. Vividly colorful and extremely detailed this graphic novel is a plus for students who aren’t fans of non-fiction. Readers will be able to spend time on each page to take in all of the details for a better understanding of the story. Parents and teachers can use this tool to engage students, teach history, capture the eye of the non-reader and discuss the wonderful man and what he did for this country.
Readers who are fans of comics will love going back in time to review the story of Dr. King from his early childhood until the last moments of his life. Illustrated boxes with speech and thought balloons keep the storyline short and sweet but still provide plenty of story to get the reader engaged in the history of events. Side-bar commentary is shared with images of Lady Liberty along with Uncle Sam, presented in a modern perspective, sharing little known facts for readers to absorb.
Readers will love the illustrations that perfectly capture the emotion of the time. Vividly colorful and extremely detailed this graphic novel is a plus for students who aren’t fans of non-fiction. Readers will be able to spend time on each page to take in all of the details for a better understanding of the story. Parents and teachers can use this tool to engage students, teach history, capture the eye of the non-reader and discuss the wonderful man and what he did for this country.
September 21, 2019
I really appreciated this book. Not only was it well-written, the graphic novel format will make it much more approachable and readable for some of my resistant readers. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because I felt like some of the minor events shown in the illustrations didn't have explicit text to let younger readers understand what was going on.
October 3, 2020
A great series for middle grade readers who love graphic novels and would enjoy reading a biography at the same time. Narrated by “Libby” (Lady Liberty) and “Sam” (Uncle Sam), different colored speech bubbles are used at times to indicate quotes that were actually said by the famous person. Very well done!
February 1, 2021
I like graphic novels, biographies, and MLK, so this was a great fit for me. Obviously the bio is short and limited but still a great intro.
February 27, 2021
I am far from a fan of using comic books to promote history, including the serious subject of civil rights. While James Buckley Jr.'s Martin Luther King Jr.: Voice for Equality! does cover many of the historical aspects, some parts of history were omitted, such as King met with President Kennedy and Vice President Johnson prior to the 1963 March on Washington and it was Kennedy who, even though he thought it was ill timed, to ensure that the march would remain peaceful and that no harm come to those marching by charging Attorney General Robert Kennedy with the task. Kennedy also helped boost the attendance at the event because he feared that attendance and attention would be low and his civil rights initiatives would not receive the legislative attention needed to pass. Buckley also neglected to mention that Rosa Parks was the secretary for the Montgomery Chapter of the NAACP and had been tasked with refusing her seat on the bus. Not that her actions were wrong, it's just that historians should give people--especially young people--all the facts so they are better educated and can make informed decisions as they grow up. There is mention of A. Philip Randolph in the text bubbles, but Randolph had long advocated for railroad porters and the many inequalities when it came to labor practices throughout WWII and had wanted for years to march on Washington, DC.
February 8, 2023
What an awesome graphic novel that gives a great summary of MLK JR.’s life and legacy as well as giving a broad view of the civil rights movement in America. Definitely going to look into more of these books. Amazing illustrations as well. Great for young readers.
January 21, 2025
I didn’t like the format of this book.
December 29, 2025
It was really educational and funny at the same time so it was pretty cool 😎
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews