Publishers Weekly Review
| As in My Uncle Martin's Big Heart and My Uncle Martin's Words for America, Watkins pays tribute to her uncle, Martin Luther King Jr. She condenses King's doctrine of embracing love and eschewing violence into six principles that include dictates ("Have courage"; "Love your enemies") and reflections ("When innocent people are hurt, others are inspired to help"; "The universe honors love"). Some of the author's observations, though, may require further explanation ("He put a lot of love out into the universe, and the universe honored him by giving him the power to achieve great things"). Watkins again uses events in King's life (organizing the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott, protesting segregation in Birmingham in 1963) to illustrate his dedication to acting on his convictions. Comport (Hanging Off Jefferson's Nose) features intense shades of orange, fuchsia, and purple in her energetic mixed-media art, which incorporates imposing display type and occasional newspaper excerpts illuminating the turbulence of the time. Especially striking are her conspicuous portraits of hands: raised in protest, folded in prayer, and linked in solidarity. Ages 6-11. Author's agent: Jennifer Lyons, Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency. Illustrator's agency: Shannon Associates. (Jan.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved. |
School Library Journal Review
| Gr 2-6-In this vividly illustrated picture book, Watkins, niece of Martin Luther King Jr., provides a simplified version of his six guiding principles of nonviolence: have courage; love your enemies; fight the problem, not the person who caused it; when innocent people are hurt, others are inspired to help; resist violence of any kind; and the universe honors love. Referring to King as "Uncle Martin," Watkins states each principle and then describes one clearly written example of how King followed it. Instances selected include the burning of King's home in 1956 and King's famous "Letter from Birmingham Jail," in which he argued for nonviolent resistance. The bold, colorful mixed-media illustrations capture the emotion of the situations described, and Watkins's writing style is conversational but impassioned ("So even when Uncle Martin was hurt, he did not respond with violence."). Though informative, this title lacks back matter. An excellent choice for younger students studying King and for teachers explaining violence in history and current events, as well as for beginning middle school students.-Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. |
Booklist Review
| In this fresh take on the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., Watkins, his niece, has selected specific incidents from King's life that aptly embody his six guiding beliefs concerning nonviolence, tolerance, and persistence: have courage ; love your enemies ; fight the problem, not the person who caused it ; when innocent people are hurt, others are inspired to help ; resist violence of any kind ; and the universe honors love. The narrative assumes no previous knowledge of events of King's life and establishes context, covers the facts, and explains the subsequent impact of each action. Repeated references to Uncle Martin and the inclusion of personal details help keep readers aware that King was a real person who faced real challenges and dangers. The picture-book format features compelling, expressive artwork. King's guiding beliefs spill across the pages in bold, oversize font, accompanied by detailed illustrations in rich, somber hues. Pair this with other nontraditional biographies, such as Doreen Rappaport's Martin's Big Words (2001), to help young readers grasp the importance of this civil rights icon.--McBroom, Kathleen Copyright 2015 Booklist |
Horn Book Review
| Colorful mixed-media art illustrates Martin Luther King Jr.'s six guiding beliefs, focusing on peace-filled love over violence. Watkins, King's niece, cites specific examples of victorious actions, including the desegregation of Alabama buses and his famous "Letters from the Birmingham Jail," explaining with "love and respect" the importance of the fight for equality. The foundation of King's philosophy will resonate with all ages. (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. |
Kirkus Review
| Lessons for life presented by Dr. King's niece.Watkins defines the "six guiding beliefs" of the subtitle by describing six events from the civil rights movement in which Dr. King was steadfastly governed by his faith in "love and nonviolence." The first precept, "Have Courage," was demonstrated during the Montgomery Bus Boycott when his home was bombed. "Love Your Enemies" is the message of a Sunday morning sermon. "Fight the Problem, Not the Person Who Caused It" is exemplified by the letters written during his imprisonment in Birmingham. The 1965 voter-registration drive in Selma, Alabama, illustrates the belief that "When Innocent People Are Hurt, Others are Inspired to Help." "Resist Violence of any Kind" refers to a 1966 incident in Chicago when Dr. King was hit in the head by a rock. And finally, "The Universe Honors Love" is seen in the tributes bestowed after his assassination. King is always referred to as "Uncle Martin" in this very personal homage. No references or sources are provided, and beyond a mention of President Lyndon Johnson's signing of the Voting Rights Bill of 1965, there is no indication that anyone else was involved in the struggle. Comport's double-page mixed-media collage and digital illustrations are strong and more effective than the text in conveying the measure of the man. A heartfelt sermon, but useful only as a supplement. (Informational picture book. 5-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission. |