This captivating book will appeal to children in a number of ways. First, the moral themes of justice, equality, and love that the book focuses on are connected to the process of moral formation that occurs in children ages 6 to 8. Children this age are developing instincts about right and wrong, right and wrong, and Martin’s Big Words will engage children in this part of their experience.
Second, the simple and engaging style of the book draws the young reader into the story. Although the themes that evoke the life and work of Dr. King (eg, rights, freedom, justice, equality, etc.) may be somewhat abstract for children, Martin’s Big Words portrays them in an accessible way. For example, the book begins with the following line: “Everywhere in Martin’s hometown he saw signs, ONLY WHITE.” The row is accompanied by a picture of young Martin standing with his mother by two water fountains, one marked “White only.” This accessible concrete description highlights the problem that Dr. King faced and generates curiosity as to how the problem was solved.
Third, the poignant beauty of Dr. King’s words resonates throughout the book. For example, on page 21, after a simple allusion to Dr. King’s famous speech in Washington, DC, the book quotes: “I have a dream that one day in Alabama black boys and girls will join white boys. “. and white girls as sisters and brothers. ”Quotes so short but poignant communicate to young children the beauty and power of Dr. King’s words in an accessible way.
Fourth, the illustrations in the book are captivating. Collier’s use of mixed media collage draws the reader to examine his artwork carefully, while his use of watercolor communicates a subtle emotion in the faces of the characters in the book. This mix of watercolor and collage brings a visual vitality to the book that reflects the evolving emotional mood of the narrative. For example, the image on the page reporting the murder of Dr. King shows the closest, most detailed and intense portrait of King in the book, framed by stained glass. Thin gray lines cross his face, suggesting that he is now separated from us, as if by a fence. The illustration communicates the tragedy of his death, but also the religious hope for a life beyond death that filled his heart. His intense eyes seem to call us to continue with his work. The beauty and power of the images in this book perfectly match the beauty and power of Dr. King’s words.
In addition to these factors that give the book subjective appeal, the book has significant developmental value. First, the book introduces children to the life of a great American and the history of the civil rights movement in the mid-20th century. Due to its simplicity, the book provides an excellent opportunity for adults to discuss the events and themes of the period with young children.
Second, the book will promote the moral development of children in the 6-8 age group. It brings the issues of racism, segregation, justice, and love into sharp, concrete focus for a child, stimulating moral emotions, thoughts, and perhaps even actions, thus aiding in character building. Just as the accessible style of the book provides an opportunity for adults to discuss the history of the period with children, it also provides an opportunity for moral teaching and learning.
Third, Martin’s Big Words offers an example of faith in action. As the book makes clear in its refreshingly simple form, Dr. King’s motivation and perseverance stemmed from his faith in God. The words of Dr. King, quoted on p. 20, sums up this thought: “Remember, if I am stopped, this movement will not stop, because God is with this movement.” The book provides an excellent opportunity for adults to discuss with children the role of religion in our private and public lives.
Finally, the book is very creative. Both the mixed-media illustrations and the combination of a simple historical narrative punctuated by powerful quotes from Dr. King’s “big words” contribute to the formation of a child’s taste for excellent and creative literature.