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Reading Rockets' children's literature expert, Maria Salvadore, brings you into her world as she explores the best ways to use kids' books both inside — and outside — of the classroom.

Big words, tough times

April  4, 2008

This week marks the 40th anniversary of one of the saddest events in American history during a particularly difficult period: the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Like other momentous incidents, those old enough to remember this probably can recall what they were doing when they heard the news.

For young children though, last week is ancient history; even for older children (like my teenaged son) the 'black and white' days seem to have little impact today. But they do.

Not only is the past is always with us, but we and our children learn from it. Often the world is shaped by regular people who turn into giants because of their convictions and courage — people like Martin Luther King, Jr. History reminds us of the power of one person.

And books allow us to revisit these people again and again.

Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport with stunning illustrations by Bryan Collier (Jump at the Sun) — for which he won a 2002 Caldecott Honor — introduces children as young as five years old to the power of words by MLK, Jr. using the weight of words and image on large pages. It remains a unique introduction to the man and the enormity of his contribution.

Not only can children (and adults) glimpse Dr. King's life and the strength of his words, they have an opportunity to discover a way of self-expression through one author and one illustrator's approach. Both the author and the artist add personal notes about their response to King.

Words can be bigger than the typeface in which they're printed.

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