A wonderful resource for finding books that offer insight to cultural diversity and the African-American experience are the Coretta Scott King Award winning books. The 2002 illustrator honor winner was Martin's Big Words written by Doreen Rappoport and illustrated by Bryan Collier. This picture book will appeal to students of all ages because of the textured layering of the illustrations. The younger students will enjoy the large colorful illustrations that accompany the simple text, while older students will be engaged by the intricate weaving of different textures into the collage design chosen by the artist. Collier also explains in a forward that he uses symbolism in his work, in this case, the four candles which represent the four children killed in the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing that occurred in 1963 in Birmingham Alabama. The use of a repeating image of stained glass windows throughout the book will open discussions of King's life, the non-violent measures he espoused, and how the civil rights movement of the 1960's was led by African-American church leaders.The illustrations in the book add to the simple text that will not overwhelm the very
young student and at the same time will engage the older student. Historical events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, bombings of civil right leader's homes, the legislative outlawing of segregation laws, and King's eventual murder are written about in simple text. As a fifth grade teacher, I find this book an excellent way to introduce the civil rights movement in America without overwhelming the student. Martin's Big Words is full of quotes by King that will open discussion for the older student while introducing the younger student to the idea of peaceful protest to bring about change.
young student and at the same time will engage the older student. Historical events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, bombings of civil right leader's homes, the legislative outlawing of segregation laws, and King's eventual murder are written about in simple text. As a fifth grade teacher, I find this book an excellent way to introduce the civil rights movement in America without overwhelming the student. Martin's Big Words is full of quotes by King that will open discussion for the older student while introducing the younger student to the idea of peaceful protest to bring about change. Collier has illustrated several award winning books. A Freedom River and Visiting Langston were both Coretta Scott King Award winning books. He also was honored with an Ezra Jack Keats and Coretta Scott King Award for Uptown. His books Rosa and Martin's Big Words were awarded Caldecott 
Honors.
Honors.
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