Martin Mahalia: His Words, Her Song

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Martin Mahalia: His Words, Her Song was written by Andrea Davis Pinkney. She is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 20 books for children, including the Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book Duke Ellington, illustrated by Brian Pinkney; Let it Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book and winner of the Carter G. Woodson Award; and Alvin Ailey, a Parenting Publication Gold medal winner. [1]

This book was published by Little, Brown, and Company in New York. The date of Publication was in 2013. [2]

Summary

They were each born with the gift of gospel.

Martin's voice kept people in their seats, but also sent their praises soaring.

Mahalia's voice was brass-and-butter - strong and smooth at the same time.

With Martin's sermons and Mahalia's songs, folks were free to shout, to sing their joy.

In August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and his strong voice and powerful message were joined and lifted in song by world-renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. It was a moment that changed the course of history and is imprinted in minds forever. Told through Andrea Davis Pinkney's poetic prose and Brian Pinkney's evocative illustration, the stories of these two powerful voices and lives are told side-by-side -- as they would one day walk -- following the journey from their youth to a culmination at this historical event when they united as one and inspiring kids to find their own voices and speak up for what is right. [3]

Pros

Publisher Weekly posted their thought about this book, they mentioned that the author and illustrator notes provide additional biographical information and explain the artwork’s symbolism in detail. An extensive resource list rounds out the concluding material. The line between illustration and narrative is satisfyingly blurred, e.g., bold colors highlight some words in the text, while the stylized watercolors incorporate words and phrases. Buoyant brushstrokes curl and circle upward, arrows curve and point. In each scene, an encircled dove flies along these looping lines, pointing the way to the book’s culmination, the March on Washington. The Pinkneys returned with a vibrant, upbeat tribute to two prominent civil rights figures and friends, preacher Martin Luther King Jr. and singer Mahalia Jackson. Both used their powerful voices to stir people to action. Two combo of amazing people. [4]

Some comments can be found on Library Things sites, the readers brought up their thought to express their feeling about this book, they mentioned that it was a bold, vibrant story of how the lives of these two Civil Rights Movement figures intertwined. Brian Pinkney makes brilliant use of color in his dynamic illustrations. Wonderfully written, beautifully illustrated. The story about two African American people who saw it best to work together to put an end to segregation. With a famous Martin Luther King's moving words and Mahalia Jacksons powerful songs, they lead a freedom march to Washington D.C. for all the public to witness. Both Mahalia and Martin were born with a gift of gospel, seeked equality, change, unity and freedom. This book had a lot of interesting art work with water paint and I liked how certain words in the text were bold, large and printed in color for emphasis. It was all about fighting for your rights, bravery, and courage. Martin did not like the way that blacks were being treated and he used his words and Mahalia's voice to influence people to join the movement. They were fighting for equality and to walk in love and unity with one another. The author wrote, "greatest demonstration of freedom in the history of the nation." They fought for change. They fought with bravery, strength, and courage. They knew the consequences of what could happen if they spoke up, but did it anyway. I think that this big message can really impact students who are learning about Martin Luther King Jr. and help them better understand what his true goal was the unity and freedom for all people. [5]

Stephen Krawec who rated it this book four stars told the reason out why it was an amzing book. It because Martin & Mahalia: His Words Her Song, is written and illustrated by Andrea Davis Pickney and Brian Pickney and is the biography of both Martin Luther King and Mahalia Jackson. This book highlights the early life of MLK, which is a less-explored part of his life considering that most students only learn about his impact on the civil rights movement. However, it also ties in Mahalia Jackson, who is a lesser-known figure in the movement and someone about whom she knew nothing prior to reading this book. The book examines how their lives were interwoven and how the duo used their fame to inspire people. Other reader named Michelle Moore added how this book could be used for learning about the Civil Rights and segregation. It gives a lot of information about two people that used their voices to speak up for change. They could also use compare and contrast to explain that even though they used their voices in different ways, they had the same goal for change. There are also some literary devices (his voice was steady as a train.) Brian Pinkney uses a lot of imagery and symbolism in his art. He has a page at the back of the book that explains why he choose to do the art the way that he did. The pictures are beautiful and vibrant so kids would enjoy creating some watercolor painting that emulate this story. [1]

Other reviewed was given by Allison N. Jensen from Cedarville University. She revealed that Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahalia Jackson are presented as equal partners in the civil rights movement, and they work together to share the message of radical inclusion with the rest of America. Their voices shaped history together. At the end of the book, there is a section that provides more information about the civil rights movement, Mahalia Jackson and Martin Luther King Jr., and illustration techniques used in the book. This book illustrates the importance and power of words in changing the world. This book would be useful for introducing young children to the civil rights movement in a classroom setting or at home. [2]

References