Parents' Guide to

I Have a Dream

Book Martin Luther King History 1997
I Have a Dream Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Susan Fitzgerald , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 11+

A treasured speech seen in a vibrant new light.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 11+?

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age 14+

Based on 1 parent review

Sourish
Sourish Adult
May 9, 2020
age 14+

In 2019, I have noticed that my reading has had a bent toward civil rights. I have read about prominent African Americans including Condoleezza Rice and her parents, Carlotta Walls LaNier, and Ernie Banks. I have also read accounts of the 1960s, a turning point decade in American history where African Americans asserted themselves in their ongoing quest to achieve equal civil rights. I had not read a quality biography of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr, yet, with my yearly reading schedule filling up, I knew that I would not have a chance this year. I decided to compromise by obtaining an illustrated version of the I Have a Dream Speech in time for the August 28 anniversary of the speech. With stunning illustrations by former Caldecott medal winner Kadir Nelson, this book is perfect for children and adults of all ages. It contains an audio cd of the original speech and is chilling to listen to. I have my 2020 reading lineup filling up and I would like to read a quality biography of Dr King. In the

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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?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

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.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

Book Details

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