My+Brother+Martin

My Brother Martin was written by Christine King Farris and illustrated by Christ Soentpiet. The author is Martin Luther King's sister, and depicts events from their childhood that shaped the man MLK was to become. Farris starts with memories from her early childhood and how she used to play with white children in the neighborhood, and never noticed a difference between blacks and whites. However, when the white kids could no longer play with the Kings, the children learn the stark reality of race relations in Atlanta Georgia. Their mother explains why they are treated differently and Martin tells his mother "...one day I'm going to turn this world upside down."
 * Summary:**

The author draws the reader into MLK's childhood through descriptive language accompanied by beautiful illustrations. This book is different from other books because it focuses on MLK the child rather than MLK the man. Readers are drawn into the King household, where at first the children are carefree, but over time the language changes to reflect the hatred that went on in the south. My Brother Martin helps young children to see MLK as a real person, since Farris described similar situations that even today's children can identify with such as hating piano lessons or playing tricks on neighbors.
 * Review:**

This book is a good introduction to historical figures in American history. Students can use this book to learn more about MLK Jr. and use it in conjunction with other books about the civil rights movement.
 * Content Area Covered**

This book is wonderful for reading instruction due to the abundance of descriptive writing. The language used gives children the idea of "painting a picture" with their writing. There are also many similes and metaphors throughout the book. The book would be ideal for a shared reading, because students could make text to self or text to world connections, activating their schema. They can also connect to their own families, and how their parents teach them about the world and their past.
 * Connections to Components of Reading:**

Christine King Farris is the sister of the late Martin Luther King Jr. She is the author of several books about MLK and is currently a professor at Spelman College.
 * About the Author:**