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I Have a Dream

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 11; suggested age 11.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    A treasured speech seen in a vibrant new light.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 11 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    This is the ultimate expression of the need for equality. Demonstrations of inequality and cruelty.

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    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.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of I Have a Dream was written by Susan Fitzgerald

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.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • 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?
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More on I Have a Dream

Book Summary

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.

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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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Publisher’s Details

Publisher: Scholastic Inc., Publication date: 1/1/1997
Number of pages: 40, Price: $16.95 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 8-10, Read Alone: 11+

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