From School Library Journal
K Up. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s classic speech is creatively illustrated by 15 Coretta Scott King Award-winning artists. Signed statements from the artists explain the emotions they were tying to capture and why and how they used certain colors and tones. The size and medium of the original art are given. This book evokes the sound of King's voice as it was captured on that historic August day in 1963. Although some pictures are more touching and sobering than others, from cover to cover this is a beautiful book. A foreword by Coretta Scott King is included. A biographical sketch, preceded by a black-and-white photograph, highlights critical events in Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life.?Marie Wright, University Library, Indianapolis, INCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Gr. 4^-8. Every year when Dr. King's birthday rolls around and during Black History month, short clips from the "I Have a Dream" speech are played and replayed--always the same few sentences presented together with grainy black-and-white images. This new book, which beautifully evokes feelings of hope as well as despair, not only gives readers the opportunity to experience the eloquent speech in its entirety but also to see it anew through the eyes of 15 African American artists who have won the Coretta Scott King Award or received a Coretta Scott King honor book designation. Each artist depicts a portion of the story of the civil rights movement or his or her vision of the meaning of a section of the speech, thus bringing new perspective to Dr. King's words. On the jacket painting, by Leo and Diane Dillon, Dr. King, who is looking toward the sun, stands next to figures holding scales and a gavel, representing equality and justice; King's words about suffering and police brutality are illustrated by Tom Feelings' depiction of a woman covering her eyes in sorrow; and James Ransome shows African Americans and whites together at a long picnic table, the "table of brotherhood." A foreword by Coretta Scott King, a brief biography of Dr. King, and notes from the artists about their contributions round out the book, which clearly reminds us why the rolling, powerful text remains one of the landmarks of American political writing. Susan Dove Lempke


From Kirkus Reviews
A handsome edition in which 15 illustrators, Coretta Scott King's foreword, and an appended two-page biography of Martin Luther King Jr. create a unique context for his famous speech of 1963. It is as timely today as it was in the 1960s, and the artists have done the words justice: The astonishing courage required to remain nonviolent appears in George Ford's art for ``Meeting Physical Force with Soul Force,'' while James Ransome provides an idealized, yet attainable banquet for ``The Table of Brotherhood.'' Among the other artists are Jerry Pinkney, Brian Pinkney, Leo and Diane Dillon, Tom Feelings, and Pat Cummings. Adults who heard the speech will experience it anew; children who didn't will be able to place the words in a historical framework. (Nonfiction. 8-11) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.


Book Description
On August 28, 1963, the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his most memorable and inspiring speech to a country divided by riots over racial injustice. With the words "I have a dream," King invoked his vision of a racially harmonious America, where "little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers." This elegant gift edition of Dr. King's unforgettable speech is the perfect way to share his powerful message of hope and compassion. Featuring the complete text and a foreword by King's daughter, the Reverend Bernice A. King, I Have a Dream presents a moving portrait of a visionary at the peak of his influence.

FROM OUR EDITORS

The majesty of King's acclaimed 1963 speech in Washington, D.C., is celebrated, by his text and the illustrations of 15 respected artists, each of whom detail a separate aspect of the speech. A rare, textured offering that rewards readers of all ages and will be a treasured addition to every bookshelf.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

On August 28, 1963, the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his most memorable and inspiring speech to a country divided by riots over racial injustice. With the words "I have a dream," King invoked his vision of a racially harmonious America, where "little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers." This elegant gift edition of Dr. King's unforgettable speech is the perfect way to share his powerful message of hope and compassion. Featuring the complete text and a foreword by King's daughter, the Reverend Bernice A. King, I Have a Dream presents a moving portrait of a visionary at the peak of his influence.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Karen Moroughan

Dr. King's moving speech is peacefully rendered here by a special group of artists. Each of these artists have previously won the coveted Coretta Scott King Award. This award recognizes the gifts that African American authors and illustrators give via their art. But the illustrations are only half of the story. They are woven, warp and weft, within the fabric of Dr. King's speech from August of 1963. With this book, we can hear the words and see the dream with fresh eyes for this is a beautifully rich volume, from its luxurious end-pages, to its back matter. Each illustration captures the spirit of Dr. King's message. The illustrations and text call for our memories of yesterday, the possibilities for today, and a hope for a not-too-distant tomorrow. The volume ends with a tribute to Dr. King. The end matter includes a photograph of Dr. King, a short biography, and signed descriptions of each artist's work.

School Library Journal