I Have a Dream

Review

Common Sense Media says

A treasured speech seen in a vibrant new light.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that King's words are inspiring, but the book's artwork is uneven. Readers new to the piece will be moved; those familiar with King's words may appreciate this artful expression.

  • Positive messages2
    This is the ultimate expression of the need for equality. Demonstrations of inequality and cruelty.
  • Violence3
    Words and artwork depict violent realities but encourage peaceful resolution. Artwork illustrating police brutality and sit-ins. The theme of racial injustice pervades this book; adults should be ready for a lot of questions.
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
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What's the story?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech changed the face of race relations forever. Here, those same words that told of the possibilities of peace and harmony are interpreted by the artwork of fifteen Coretta Scott King Award and Honor Book winners. The result? A treasured speech seen in a vibrant, colorful new light.

 

Is it any good?

 

Martin Luther King's vision is alive and vibrant in this depiction of his historical speech. Though the quality of the art varies widely, from bold and striking visions to pictures that look like they were created for a 1950s-era textbook, readers will be intrigued by the voices of the artists themselves.

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What families can talk about

Families can talk about King's speech and the art that illustrates it. Do you find King's words inspiring? Which illustrations are your favorites, and why?

This review was written by Susan Fitzgerald

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This review was written by Susan Fitzgerald
Author:Martin Luther King
Book type:Non-Fiction
Genre:History
Publisher:Scholastic Inc.
Publication date:January 1, 1997
Number of pages:40
Hardcover price:$16.95
Publisher's recommended age(s):9 - 12
This review was written by Susan Fitzgerald
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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