Gr 2-6 In this vividly illustrated picture book, Watkins, niece of Martin Luther King Jr., provides a simplified version of his six guiding principles of nonviolence: have courage; love your enemies; fight the problem, not the person who caused it; when innocent people are hurt, others are inspired to help; resist violence of any kind; and the universe honors love. Referring to King as "Uncle Martin," Watkins states each principle and then describes one clearly written example of how King followed it. Instances selected include the burning of King's home in 1956 and King's famous "Letter from Birmingham Jail," in which he argued for nonviolent resistance. The bold, colorful mixed-media illustrations capture the emotion of the situations described, and Watkins's writing style is conversational but impassioned ("So even when Uncle Martin was hurt, he did not respond with violence."). Though informative, this title lacks back matter. An excellent choice for younger students studying King and for teachers explaining violence in history and current events, as well as for beginning middle school students. Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL

In this fresh take on the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., Watkins, his niece, has selected specific incidents from King's life that aptly embody his six guiding beliefs concerning nonviolence, tolerance, and persistence: "have courage"; "love your enemies"; "fight the problem, not the person who caused it"; "when innocent people are hurt, others are inspired to help"; "resist violence of any kind"; and "the universe honors love." The narrative assumes no previous knowledge of events of King's life and establishes context, covers the facts, and explains the subsequent impact of each action. Repeated references to "Uncle Martin" and the inclusion of personal details help keep readers aware that King was a real person who faced real challenges and dangers. The picture-book format features compelling, expressive artwork. King's guiding beliefs spill across the pages in bold, oversize font, accompanied by detailed illustrations in rich, somber hues. Pair this with other nontraditional biographies, such as Doreen Rappaport's Martin's Big Words (2001), to help young readers grasp the importance of this civil rights icon.