Starred Review ALA Booklist (Sat Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2017)

Starred Review This picture-book biography of John Kennedy's life, which celebrates his one hundredth birthday, focuses on his hesitations and then help with the civil rights movement. The story moves chronologically, introducing the second in a wealthy family of nine; the kid who liked to read; the slacker (and often ill) brother of the family's shining star, Joe. The staccato text, moving quickly through Jack's childhood, adolescence, and war years, sometimes misses out on nuances (young Jack didn't merely write a letter to his father about his allowance; it was brash, funny, and pointed), but offers a fine overall sense of the early Kennedy. The book gets meatier d uses slightly longer sentences it explains the impact of the civil rights movement on the country, Kennedy's presidency, and the man himself. Corey does an excellent job of subtly showing the contradictions between some of Kennedy's words; for instance, quoting him as a candidate saying, "We must act in the image of Abraham Lincoln," and then, as president, moving cautiously on voting rights to avoid disturbing Southern Democrats. Though the "big speech" of the book's subtitle refers to his civil rights address of 1963, there are other important quotes here for readers to ponder. The dramatic and innovative illustrations beautifully capture a place in time and the people who inhabited it. The back matter is a powerful addition to a most thoughtful book.

School Library Journal Starred Review (Wed Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2017)

Gr 3-5On June 11, 1963, President John F. Kennedy gave an eloquent speech in which he made a plea for civil rights for African Americans. He was lauded for his blunt but sincere appeal to ensure equality for all Americans. Corey begins with biographical information on Kennedy, including his wealthy upbringing in an influential family, his illnesses as a child, his run for Congress, and his eventual election to the presidency. The text then segues into the struggle of African Americans to achieve civil rights, detailing the arduous work of sit-ins, marches, and Freedom Rides. Finally, the story returns to Kennedy's 1963 speech to Congress. Though mostly adulatory in tone, the book points out that Kennedy was, for political reasons, hesitant to take action, thus providing a contrast between the man who wrote Profiles in Courage and the politician in the White House. Christie's impressionistic illustrations are poignant and enhance the straightforward narrative. Back matter includes a section that identifies notable figures featured in the artwork and offers additional background on them. VERDICT Though there are numerous biographies on Kennedy for this audience, few focus solely on his role in civil rights, making this work a dynamic addition for U.S. history collections.—Margaret Nunes, Gwinnett County Public Library, GA

Kirkus Reviews (Wed Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2017)

A roundabout history of President John F. Kennedy's June 11, 1963, address on American civil rights.Corey starts this story of Kennedy's speech, and the context under which it was delivered, early—too early—in Kennedy's life. Readers learn that his brother was his father's favorite and that he was sickly. They also learn that he came from wealth, but Corey doesn't take this opportunity to discuss class in America and how it impinges on racism. Instead, readers learn he was a courageous soldier in World War II and wrote Profiles in Courage. The writing is choppy, perhaps in an effort to be punchy: "In 1946, Jack ran for Congress. His whole family helped. His father gave money and advice. His mother and sisters gave teas." By midbook, Corey begins to focus in on Kennedy's political conundrum. When it comes to Kennedy's dallying on the civil rights issue, Corey does hit a number of nails squarely on the head: Kennedy was being upstaged by children on their crusade, he was losing the African-American vote, he played politics with Congress. Still, the speech was historic, as the book implies, and the author's note elaborates upon this. Christie's illustrations show a good, moody application of radiant paint and a sharp caricaturist's touch. A halting misuse of page space that, in the end, finally presents Kennedy's speech in the proper light. (thumbnail bios of civil rights figures, bibliography, sources, further reading) (Informational picture book. 6-10)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Corey (The Secret Subway) and Christie (Freedom in Congo Square) celebrate the birthday centenary of John F. Kennedy with an engaging picture book biography primarily focused on the former president-s evolution on the topic of civil rights. A conversational narrative starts out speaking directly to readers: -The people who make history aren-t just famous leaders.... They-re real people, just like you. Sometimes they are you.- After spreads detailing Kennedy-s childhood, military service, and early political career, the story turns to civil rights and the president-s initial hesitancy to advocate for meaningful reform. Corey adeptly contextualizes Kennedy-s eventual arrival at action, amid protests and desegregation attempts, and his historic antidiscrimination speech that set the stage for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Christie-s expressive paintings veer toward the abstract, with skewed proportions and bold brushstrokes, yet the realism of the faces stands out. An empowering conclusion (-And so now it-s your turn... to speak up, to act... to make history-) is followed by an author-s note, bibliography, source notes, and brief vignettes about other notable figures who appear in the story. Ages 8-up. Author-s agent: Tracey Adams, Adams Literary. (Apr.)