I Have a Dream [With CD (Audio)]

I Have a Dream is a fantastic book that incorporates a very important message to children, equality. Because of Dr. King, America can be free from slavery and racism. The illustrations represent this time in history to be very factual.

People give speeches everyday, but few stand the test of time. I HAVE A DREAM highlights the speech of the same title by Martin Luther King, Jr. more than forty years ago. The text of the book is the speech itself, divided into fifteen parts. Each part of the speech is paired with an artistic interpretation, created by past recipients of the Coretta Scott King Award or have been named Coretta Scott King Honor Book Artists. It was interesting to peruse the differing styles of the various artists. At the conclusion of the speech there is a photograph of Martin Luther King, Jr. followed by a brief biographical sketch. The book ends on a high note as each of the contributing artists share what they attempted to convey in their contribution and the inspiration behind it. Overall, I HAVE A DREAM is a marvelous tribute to the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and to Coretta Scott King and her literary award. The end of the was particularly moving because it not only conveyed the impact the Kings have had on our society as a whole, but also how it touched individuals on a deeply personal level. The book is a wonderful way to introduce the man and the speech to children. It would be great to have children create their own artistic interpretations of parts of the speech. I HAVE A DREAM is a book that should be in everyone's household, it can be appreciated by both adults and children. Reviewed by Stacey Seay of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

What better gift can a parent give a child than a vision of a free and just future. This beautiful book is the illustrated text of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's speech given in Washington D.C. on August 28, 1963.The text of King's inspirational speech is illustrated by 14 African American artists/illustrators. Each illustration is attractive and deftly illustrates points in Dr. King's speech. Any of the illustrations could well serve as pictures for someone's wall. Every illustration is noteworthy and inspirational. I love the cover illustration by Leo and Diane Dillon. Other illustrations that I am moved by include You Have Been the Veterans of Creative Suffering by Tom Feelings and The Table of Brotherhood by James E. Ransome.This book would serve well for a method to introduce children to Martin Luther King. Whether as a teacher or parent you choose to read the whole text of the speech or discuss King's life and his importance in American history, may depend on the age of the child. While the recommended ages for reading are 4 to 8, a four year old may not understand the message. Certainly, this book would serve as a tool for older children or even adults to get to know King and his message.I think that every American should read the text of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s I have a dream speech. It is as deeply meaningful and powerful today as it was in 1963. What better way to preserve the memory of Martin Luther King's speech than owning a copy of this book either for your children or yourself. This is a truly beautiful book which would be a great and lasting addition to a children's library.

Don't be fooled by the fact that this is marketed as a children's book: "I Have a Dream" will appeal to readers of all ages. In this book the full text of Martin Luther King's famous speech is accompanied by 14 superb works, most of them in full color, by 15 different artists.The book contains a thoughtful forward by Coretta Scott King and a brief but informative biographical supplement about Dr. King himself. A magnificent black-and-white photographic portrait of Dr. King in his oratorical mode serves as an effective complement to the rest of the book's illustrations. Also noteworthy are the final pages of the book, in which the artists briefly share their personal thoughts about Dr. King's legacy and about their contributions to the book.The power of Dr. King's speech is greatly enhanced by the beautiful artwork of this book. The pictures encompass many different artistic styles and techniques. Each one is a masterpiece which invites the reader to return and reflect upon it.As I noted at the start of the interview, this book should be enjoyed by both adults and children. It would make a wonderful gift for individuals interested in the civil rights movement, in African-American history, in multiculturalism and racial reconciliation, or in contemporary art. This book is a fitting tribute to one of the 20th century's most influential visionaries.

I introduced this book to my fourth graders before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The pictures served as a dramatic representation of what Dr. King wanted. My students were inspired by the art work displayed in the book. However, the speech was over and beyond what my students could understand. I would recommend this book for older children and adults. I appreciated having his speech in its entirety and not just the snippets we usually hear.