Pistes d'exploration

Discuss the impact that Martin Luther King has made on our world today.

Discuss what makes a great leader and create a list of essential characteristics. Think of other people, in your life or in history, who you think are good leaders.

Write five important things that you think people should know about Martin Luther King.

Conduct research to contribute to a study of Black History and or great leaders in history.

Discuss the meaning of “big words.” Find examples of Martin Luther King’s big words. How did King fight for Black rights in America? What characteristics made him a great leader? Think of other people you know, in your life or in history, who you think are good leaders.

Find antonyms from the book and illustrate them using facts from the story. Put these on a poster.

Conduct research to learn more about events and people that play an important part in Black History.

In small teams, create a list of criteria you think should be required for a Nobel Peace Prize nominee. Who do you think should be on this list? As a class, share and explain your opinions.

What is your reaction to the injustice done to Rosa Parks in 1955? What do you think about how black citizens reacted? In a journal, reflect on other injustices you know of in the world today.

Research a Canadian civil rights activist. Prepare a digital presentation, complete with a question-and-answer period for your audience.

Max's Words, The Boy Who Loved Words, The Girl From the Tar Paper School: Barbara Rose Johns and the Advent of the Civil Rights Movement, Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, I Have a Dream, Love Will See You Through: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Six Guiding Beliefs (As Told by His Niece), Tar Beach, The Story of Ruby Bridges

Mots-clés

Biography , African Americans , Black history , civil rights , freedom , Martin Luther King Jr. , Nobel Prize

Commentaire descriptif

Clear language manages to encapsulate elements of the life of Martin Luther King Jr., with the help of words from the man himself. Whether being read to, or reading solo, children will enjoy quotes such as “You are as good as anyone,” just as young Martin believed his mother, despite all the signs around him reading, “WHITE ONLY.” The story describes King’s ministry and the triumph of the Montgomery bus boycott. “Martin walked with them … and sang with them and prayed with them until the white city leaders had to agree.” It depicts the bravery of the equal rights movement all over the South. It’s a brilliant idea to bring the accessible and rousing words of Dr. King directly to children: “Wait! For years I have heard the word ‘Wait!'” Large, sophisticated illustrations combine painting and collage. Great folds of men’s suit jackets provide a dramatic backdrop for joined hands. A young girl, Afro tied in a flowing scarf, stands before a pieced-together, off-colour, American flag. Back material offers a list of milestones and recommendations for further research. An author’s note relates the personal history behind the book. An illustrator’s note discusses the images.