You may remember several weeks ago I reviewed A SONG FOR GWENDOLYN BROOKS by Alice Faye Duncan. This week, I'm gushing over Faye Duncan's MEMPHIS, MARTIN, AND THE MOUNTAINTOP. This book tells the true story of the last days of Martin Luther King through the eyes of a fictional little girl named Lorraine Jackson. Lorraine's father is a sanitation worker in Memphis, Tennessee. Two of his fellow workers are killed on the job by old equipment that city bosses refuse to maintain and fix. The sanitation worker's union tries to fight for better wages and working conditions, but the mayor refuses to acknowledge the union. Outraged by the deaths of their fellow workers, the sanitation employees agree to strike. The strike eventually gets the attention of Dr. King. He agrees to come to Memphis to walk with protesters. While there, he delivers his famous, "I've Been To The Mountaintop" sermon. Sadly, Dr. King was assassinated outside of his hotel room the next day. His inspiring words carried striking workers forward in protest, and it wasn't long after that the strike was settled with help from the intervention of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Alice Faye Duncan's lyrical and vivid language and R. Gregory Christie's illustrations bring this story to life. It's no wonder that this book was chosen as 2019 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book, an SLJ Best Book Of The Year, and A Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book. If it's not already on your school or library bookshelf, please don't hesitate. It's not only a great addition to any civil rights collection, it's an inspiring story of perseverance- a beautifully written reminder to never stop fighting for what you believe in. I'll leave you with the words on the last page of the book:
MOUNTAINTOP
Dream big.
Walk tall.
Be strong.
March on.
Don't quit.
Never stop.
Climb up the MOUNTAINTOP!
Alice Faye Duncan's lyrical and vivid language and R. Gregory Christie's illustrations bring this story to life. It's no wonder that this book was chosen as 2019 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book, an SLJ Best Book Of The Year, and A Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book. If it's not already on your school or library bookshelf, please don't hesitate. It's not only a great addition to any civil rights collection, it's an inspiring story of perseverance- a beautifully written reminder to never stop fighting for what you believe in. I'll leave you with the words on the last page of the book:
MOUNTAINTOP
Dream big.
Walk tall.
Be strong.
March on.
Don't quit.
Never stop.
Climb up the MOUNTAINTOP!
Kimberly, thanks for the review. The book sounds like it will be a must read for a civil rights themed mini-unit. I will add this title to the list of resources I am collecting for middle school teachers whom I am working with.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol. I'm sure they will find it to be a great addition.
DeleteI have become such a fan of Alice Faye Duncan. And, she's a huge inspiration to me. What a great snippet from the text to share. I haven't read this book yet...but I'm headed to my library catalog right now to order it. Thanks for the rec! And, shadows paint the grass...is too lovely to be a clunker. I look forward to working with it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda, and I look forward to seeing what you do with the line.
DeleteI'm excited that my public library has this book. I've just put it on hold. Thanks for reviewing it.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you're going to love it as much as I did, Cheriee.
DeleteI am a big fan of R. Gregory Christie's work and really enjoyed this book as well... thank you for sharing! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Irene!
DeleteThis is a really good one. Thanks for shining a light on it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary Lee!
DeleteLooks terrific, Kimberly!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tabatha. It truly is.
DeleteThanks for sharing your review of this one. It looks fantastic. I love the lines from the last page you shared - they are just as important today.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, Kay. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteAn inspiring review for an inspiring book! Thanks for the peek, Kimberly.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Michelle! Thanks for pooping in. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteThis definitely sounds like one I need to own! Adding it to my list of books to buy right now! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol. I'm sure you'll love it!
DeleteAppreciations for this Kimberly. I love the inventiveness of finding the child to tell the Dr. King/civil rights advocacy story. It brings it right into the home. We can all identify with a struggling parent injured at work, & for no reason but greed. I enjoy all of R. Gregory Christie's pieces & especially recommend ONLY PASSING THOUGH, THE STORY OF SOJOURNER TRUTH. Something about his palette, his brush, his take on topics compels me.
ReplyDeleteJan, I am adding ONLY PASSING THROUGH, THE STORY OF SOJOURNER TRUTH to my library list. Thanks for the recommendation and for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
DeleteThanks for sharing this important and timely book with us Kimberly, I'm looking forward to spending time with it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Michelle. I'm sure you'll find this book to be a treasure.
DeleteSounds like a good one!
ReplyDeleteIt really is, Ruth.
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