For Your Milpitas Readers: I Have A Dream

By Freya Hooper (Star Patcher)

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is being celebrated this week, and even though I constantly look at new and compelling books about his life, I Have a Dream, illustrated by Kadir Nelson, remains my absolute favorite picture book to honor him. I am an absolute devotee of Kadir Nelson. His 17 original oil paintings that grace this book are a moving tribute to the speech that inspired them.

Don’t forget visit my website at www.onegreatbook.com for more books that will inspire, encourage and nurture your children’s love of reading!

Title: I Have a Dream

Author: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Target: Kindergarten - Grade 5

What this book is about:
This is an illustrated version of Dr. Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream speech. An audio recording of the actual speech is included with the book if it is purchased, but my copy from the library did not have one. I can only imagine that it would have made this beautiful picture book even more compelling. The book is of selected portions of the speech, but the complete version is printed at the back.

Why I love this book:
The illustrations are magnificent. Kadir Nelson’s paintings overlooking the Lincoln memorial are stunning and capture the historic and significant time of the speech. When I read this with my daughter I actually got choked up.

Who this book is for:
This is a bit difficult. Out of context, I don’t know how much children will take away from this book, but if you are willing to invest some time talking about race and its history in our nation, this book is a moving tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision and his significance in history.

Final thoughts:
Kadir Nelson is such a wonderful and powerful artist that I always look forward to his work.

I am a mom of three with a passion for literature! No matter what book series our kids devour, as they come to an end, we as parents ask the inevitable question - what is next? I am ever on the job, trying to answer that question. I try to do it with a variety of books. Some are silly, some true to life, some pure fantasy, but in the end I hope they make my children love words, explore new ideas, and laugh!

Previous book columns From Freya Hooper:

Football and Math in a Book for Kids

What to Read After Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Get Your Reluctant Reader to Pick Up a Book

A Must-Have Book for Christmas.

A Book for Kids Who Love Percy Jackson.

A Book to Inspire Your Children.

A Book to Help Kids Give Thanks.

A Book That Makes Science Fun For Kids.

A Book Your Kids Will Eat Up

The Ultimate Battle Book for Kids

A Hauntingly Good Book for Kids

Funniest Picture Book This Year

A Fun Mystery Book for Kids

American History Is Gross

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