ECE 260 – 3001 Urrea 1

Short Form (All Genres)

Your Name: Carol-Rose Urrea

Title: Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Author: Doreen Rappaport Illustrator: Bryan Collier

Publisher/Year: Little Brown Books for Young Readers / 2001

Genre: Biography

Summarize the content of the book –

A. Nonfiction Genres – Explain the information given, how it is shared-what design

• Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. brings children into Dr. Kings world,
it details his life and death in way that children will understand. Rappaport makes this book
extremely effective for young readers by using large and bold texts to describe various
phrases that Martin Luther King Jr. used during his life, for example, when Dr. King was a child
he always saw signs that said WHITE ONLY and everttime he read those words he rememerbs
what his mother told him, “You are as good as anyone.” And that is bolded in red, large
letters. And I feel that is how Rappaport incorporated Dr. Kings “big words” into this book, by
bolded them and make sure that they stand out because they are important to know ans
know that that is what he fought for in America.

Explain how the book appeals to children, their interests, developmental levels, fun
illustrations etc. Give specific examples from the book:

• This book will appeal to children because they will have the opportunity to learn
about an important American figure. They will also get some insight on segregation
issues. This book will enegage children with it brilliant, beautiful illustrations. The bold
lettering also grab the readers attention and will help them understand the
importance of what Dr. King is saying.
 ECE 260 – 3001 Urrea 2

Rate the book 1 2 3

Explain your rating.

• I rate this book a two because although it was an inspiring, beautiful book, I feel there
needed to be an explanation as to why he was shot, not just that he died, however,
the ending quote did make up a little for this as it was beautiful and moving, “His big
words are alive for us today.”