Starred Review for Publishers Weekly (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

King's most famous speech is handsomely interpreted in this lavish volume, which pairs his stirring words with illustrations by 15 Coretta Scott King Award- or Honor-winning artists. Taking as their inspiration King's timeless message, delivered at the famous March on Washington in the summer of 1963, the artists weigh in with an eclectic exhibit that, thanks largely to a simple but elegant book design, succeeds as a unified whole. Whether the medium is Leo and Diane Dillon's subtly plied acrylics, Ashley Bryan's playful tempera and gouaches or Brian Pinkney's distinctive scratchboard and watercolors, whether the scene depicts the """"unspeakable horrors of police brutality,"""" the degradation heaped upon those engaged in passive resistance or a symbolic feast at the """"table of brotherhood,"""" the pages flow like shifting set designs, each one illuminating a segment of King's speech. The result is an uplifting glimpse at a pivotal moment in 20th-century history, the impact made more personal by the different artists' heartfelt interpretations. A thumbnail biography of King is included, along with a brief afterword by each artist describing symbolic elements in his or her illustration. All ages. (Nov.)

ALA Booklist (Sat Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2012)

A great way to introduce young readers to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic 1963 address, this large, square picture book presents the speech with long excerpts and full-page, glowing unframed oil portraits of King, as well as paintings of the thousands who came to hear him at the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington. Then there are images that expand on his stirring message, including a painting of a black teen and a white teen face-to-face, equal and connected, which accompanies the words "the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood"; a large close-up of a black hand and a white hand clasped together; a view of children of many races singing "let freedom ring"; and spreads showing mountain landscapes across the country. The full text of the speech is appended, and there is also a CD of King's address for those, including teens and adults, who want to revisit that momentous event, and not just on the third Monday in January. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: A new book from Nelson is always a publishing event, and his many fans, young and old, will be waiting for this.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

An award-winning artist captures the passion and purpose of this most notable 20th-century American speech in beautifully realized oil paintings. Nelson begins with the concluding paragraphs spoken on August 28th, 1963, with the Lincoln Memorial standing vigil over the massed assemblage. Dr. King's opening paragraphs, with their urgent and specific references to America's broken promises, slavery, discrimination and injustice, along with an acknowledgement of a "marvelous new militancy" are not often quoted; they are specific to the time. The words of his "dream," in contrast, are universal, timeless and still needed. Dr. King evoked Scripture, an American hymn and an African-American spiritual in his sermon. Nelson mirrors that religiosity in his paneled montage of American mountains rising high from New Hampshire to Pennsylvania, Georgia, Mississippi and California. His stately portraits of adults and children stand out against white and blue backgrounds as they march, listen and hold hands. A glorious double-spread likeness of Dr. King against a black background imparts both majesty and sorrow. And how perfect that white doves, symbols of hope and faith, soar at the conclusion. The entire speech is reproduced in print and on a CD (not heard). A title for remembrance and for re-dedication to the dream, published in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. (Informational picture book. 5 & up)

Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews

An award-winning artist captures the passion and purpose of this most notable 20th-century American speech in beautifully realized oil paintings. Nelson begins with the concluding paragraphs spoken on August 28th, 1963, with the Lincoln Memorial standing vigil over the massed assemblage. Dr. King's opening paragraphs, with their urgent and specific references to America's broken promises, slavery, discrimination and injustice, along with an acknowledgement of a "marvelous new militancy" are not often quoted; they are specific to the time. The words of his "dream," in contrast, are universal, timeless and still needed. Dr. King evoked Scripture, an American hymn and an African-American spiritual in his sermon. Nelson mirrors that religiosity in his paneled montage of American mountains rising high from New Hampshire to Pennsylvania, Georgia, Mississippi and California. His stately portraits of adults and children stand out against white and blue backgrounds as they march, listen and hold hands. A glorious double-spread likeness of Dr. King against a black background imparts both majesty and sorrow. And how perfect that white doves, symbols of hope and faith, soar at the conclusion. The entire speech is reproduced in print and on a CD (not heard). A title for remembrance and for re-dedication to the dream, published in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. (Informational picture book. 5 & up)

School Library Journal (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

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, IN

Horn Book (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2013)

In superlative oil paintings, Nelson brings to life this famous speech. He begins with Dr. King at the Lincoln Memorial addressing the crowd; literal illustrations of his words (e.g., his "four little children") follow. Visually, this is a stunning accomplishment that embodies the thrilling inspiration of Dr. King's words. The complete text of the speech is appended; accompanying CD included.

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

There-s something exhilarating about viewing Nelson-s (Heart and Soul) paintings of Dr. King and the March on Washington while reading the words of the speech King gave that day; it-s hard to imagine a better representation of their historical significance. Nelson pictures King in front of a forest of microphones, his brow furrowed with concentration. -I have a dream today,- he repeats as Nelson shows him in sharp profile-it almost seems possible to feel the warmth of his breath. -With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together,- he continues, accompanied by a painting of two clasped hands, black and white. Though it-s a clichéd image, Nelson-s up-close rendering of the hands gives the picture startling freshness. American landscapes glow, and schoolchildren of every color look viewers in the eye, full of confidence. The speech is lightly edited in a way that makes it understandable for children of any age; a