Biography

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My Brother, Martin

Christine King Ferris

Illustrated by Chris Soentpiet

Imagine Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a child. A story of this extraordinary activist’s childhood, as told by his older sister begins with their birth in Atlanta, Georgia. M.L. was born a year and a half after his sister, and then shortly after their youngest brother, A.D. was born. They lived with their parents, their mom, a musician, father, a minister, and Aunt Ida and grandmother. Their closeness is described as three peas in a pod and “stuck together like pages in a brand new book,” adds an enjoyable layer to a simple black and white retelling of their childhood. We learn about the pranks M.L. played as a child and the games they played together. After a bright opening to what seems like a normal childhood, we learn the challenges they faced growing up African American. They rarely went to picture shows and avoided the streetcars, as their parents were shielding them from the unfairness and segregation. It was when a white neighborhood playmate was told they were no longer allowed to play with M.L. and the white family moved away that the children were faced with this harsh reality. They asked their mother, and she replied calmly that people didn’t understand we are all the same. After their playmates left town, the injustice and others to follow were spoken about openly at their dinner table and in church. His father and mother set an example for M.L. and his siblings to fight without violence and to stand up for what one believes in. The story of M.L. is beautifully told with rich comparisons and figurative language. Although we learn only of his childhood there is a rising climax in the story that will inspire readers to find out more about this important leader in our country’s history.

BIBLIO: 2003, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 6-12, $19.99

REVIEWER: Jennifer Debo

Format: Picture Book

ISBN-13: 978-0689843877

If you are looking for additional resources for MLK and Civil Rights visit:

http://www.ducksters.com/biography/martin_luther_king_jr.php . I have included links below for additional resources as well as a bibliography.

This site offers a student-friendly biography of MLK as well as his, “I Have a Dream” speech, Civil Rights information such as movements, leaders, and major events. The first advantage is that this provides an overview of his entire life including his early life, involvement in Civil Rights, and his famous speech. Another advantage of the website is the interactive quiz students can take based on information learned from the website. This could be used to assess students understanding or as a grade. It could also be used before reading the site to gain information on students’ background knowledge and allow them to gain a sense of what they will be learning. The video link provides a digital connection for students. I also think the other links to other Civil Right Leaders could lend to an extension activity in which students could choose someone to complete further research.

The book, My Brother, Martin, is told by his sister. You cannot gain a better understanding of what M.L. was really like or how he was viewed by others than to hear it from his sister. It is a unique point of view that few have published, especially in picture book format. The story is rich with figurative language and situations that students can connect with. It is more narrative in format than the site and therefore may be easier for students to understand and inspire them to learn more about M.L. and Civil Rights. The illustrations are magnificent and will also aid in the students’ understanding and appreciation for the story.
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