Martin's Big Words

 Rappaport, D. (2001). Martin's big words.  New York: Hyperion Books for Children.




Martin's Big Words is a recipient of the 2002 Caldecott honor as well as the 2002 Coretta Scott King Honor.  Although recommended for ages 5-9, this book is really for everyone. The genre for this book is Multicultural Literacy.

 Martin's Big Words is the story of the life  Martin Luthur King, Jr.  The plot of this book is chronological and begins with Martin as a little boy seeing the signs, "White Only" and his feelings when he sees the signs.  The themes in this book are equality, justice, and love.  Children of all ages can learn from Martin's big words.

When reading this book to my son, we were able to have invaluable conversations about the "Big Words" in this book.  As you can see above and to the right, Rappaport makes the "Big Words" bigger and bolder than the other words.  Even by the first page, you can have in-depth discussions with your child and/or class about what these words mean.  How do the words "White Only" and "You are as good as anyone" make them feel.  Why are the feelings different?  In each page of this book, the "Big Words" will bring discussion about anti-slavery, love, justice, equality, an many more topics.
 

Illustrator Bryan Collier uses artistic media in the form of collage.  Throughout the book, Collier uses symbolism in subtle and unsubtle ways.  The picture on the left is an example of symbolism.  The four candles lit represent the four little girls who were killed in the Sixteenth Street Baptist church.

Martin's Big Words not only gives memorable teaching moments about love, equity, and justice, but also learning opportunities for historical timelines as well.  At the end of this book, a historical overview of Martin Luther King's life is given.  It goes from the date of his birth (January 15, 1929) to the first time Dr. King's birthday is celebrated as a national holiday (January 15, 1986).