I Have a Dream

From Barnes & Noble

Sixteen paintings by Caldecott Honor award winner Kadir Nelson grace this picture book celebration of the August 1963 speech delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial by Martin Luther King, Jr. Even after almost half a century, the words of this speech can resound in the minds of adults and children alike. Editor's recommendation.

Publishers Weekly

There’s something exhilarating about viewing Nelson’s (Heart and Soul) paintings of Dr. King and the March on Washington while reading the words of the speech King gave that day; it’s hard to imagine a better representation of their historical significance. Nelson pictures King in front of a forest of microphones, his brow furrowed with concentration. “I have a dream today,” he repeats as Nelson shows him in sharp profile—it almost seems possible to feel the warmth of his breath. “With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together,” he continues, accompanied by a painting of two clasped hands, black and white. Though it’s a clichéd image, Nelson’s up-close rendering of the hands gives the picture startling freshness. American landscapes glow, and schoolchildren of every color look viewers in the eye, full of confidence. The speech is lightly edited in a way that makes it understandable for children of any age; a CD of the speech is enclosed. A glorious interpretation of a bedrock moment in 20th-century history. All ages. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Oct.)

Kirkus Reviews

An award-winning artist captures the passion and purpose of this most notable 20th-century American speech in beautifully realized oil paintings. Nelson begins with the concluding paragraphs spoken on August 28th, 1963, with the Lincoln Memorial standing vigil over the massed assemblage. Dr. King's opening paragraphs, with their urgent and specific references to America's broken promises, slavery, discrimination and injustice, along with an acknowledgement of a "marvelous new militancy" are not often quoted; they are specific to the time. The words of his "dream," in contrast, are universal, timeless and still needed. Dr. King evoked Scripture, an American hymn and an African-American spiritual in his sermon. Nelson mirrors that religiosity in his paneled montage of American mountains rising high from New Hampshire to Pennsylvania, Georgia, Mississippi and California. His stately portraits of adults and children stand out against white and blue backgrounds as they march, listen and hold hands. A glorious double-spread likeness of Dr. King against a black background imparts both majesty and sorrow. And how perfect that white doves, symbols of hope and faith, soar at the conclusion. The entire speech is reproduced in print and on a CD (not heard). A title for remembrance and for re-dedication to the dream, published in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. (Informational picture book. 5 & up)

Children's Literature - Karen Moroughan

Dr. King's moving speech is peacefully rendered here by a special group of artists. Each of these artists have previously won the coveted Coretta Scott King Award. This award recognizes the gifts that African American authors and illustrators give via their art. But the illustrations are only half of the story. They are woven, warp and weft, within the fabric of Dr. King's speech from August of 1963. With this book, we can hear the words and see the dream with fresh eyes for this is a beautifully rich volume, from its luxurious end-pages, to its back matter. Each illustration captures the spirit of Dr. King's message. The illustrations and text call for our memories of yesterday, the possibilities for today, and a hope for a not-too-distant tomorrow. The volume ends with a tribute to Dr. King. The end matter includes a photograph of Dr. King, a short biography, and signed descriptions of each artist's work. -- Children's Literature

School Library Journal

K Up--Martin Luther King, Jr.'s classic speech is creatively illustrated by 15 Coretta Scott King Award-winning artists. Signed statements from the artists explain the emotions they were tying to capture and why and how they used certain colors and tones. The size and medium of the original art are given. This book evokes the sound of King's voice as it was captured on that historic August day in 1963. Although some pictures are more touching and sobering than others, from cover to cover this is a beautiful book. A foreword by Coretta Scott King is included. A biographical sketch, preceded by a black-and-white photograph, highlights critical events in Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life.--Marie Wright, University Library, Indianapolis, IN

Children's Literature - Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz

On August 28, 1963, in Washington, D.C., Martin Luther King Jr. gave one of his most important and quoted speeches known as "I have a dream." In it, King looks beyond the racial turmoil of the day to a future of freedom and justice for African Americans, a time of brotherhood. The speech is printed in its entirety in the back of the book. The enclosed CD is also a recording of the entire speech made by King that day. Nelson has chosen to illustrate just the most famous part, the dream. It concludes with King's exhortation to let freedom ring. All God's children "will be able to join hands and sing...Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!" The large pages are used primarily to house realistic close-up oil painted portraits of King and of illustrations taken from the speech that include children, adults, and scenes from nature. The solidity of the representations reinforces the solemnity of the inspirational speech. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz

School Library Journal

Gr 2 Up—This splendidly illustrated tribute comes in time to celebrate the upcoming 50th anniversary of Dr. King's historic speech given on August 28, 1963. The full text is appended, though Nelson has chosen to illustrate just the latter portion, beginning with the words, "I say to you today, my friends, that even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream." The luminous oil paintings employ a variety of techniques-scenes at the Lincoln Memorial have a sweeping impressionistic quality while other spreads employ the artist's signature photorealistic style. From the wraparound jacket featuring a powerful image of Dr. King, Nelson makes good use of the large, square trim size and generous design appropriate to illustrate such a significant moment in the Civil Rights Movement. While putting his own interpretative spin on the iconic words, he remains sensitive to King's intent; for example, several paintings focus on King's hope that all people will someday live in harmony-a theme that runs through the oration. The layout matches the tempo of the words with dramatic spreads resounding with the refrain "I have a dream," and the "Let freedom ring" chorus scenes unfold as a creative series of geographic panels. Even after 50 years, this seminal address still has the power to move listeners, and this handsome illustrated version will be welcomed in all collections. Includes a CD of Dr. King's original speech.—Caroline Ward, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT