Martin Luther King Jr., Day: “A Place to Land”

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If you don’t know anything else about Martin Luther King Jr., you are definitely familiar with Dr. King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech that was spoken to millions of people at the March of Washington on August 28th, 1963. His speech became the catapult to bring about justice and equality for African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement and to unite the American people in love instead of hate. Powerful, right?

But, what would have happened if Martin Luther King Jr. didn’t finish his speech? What if he didn’t even have a speech to recite to those willing and waiting people in Washington D. C.? Well, that was almost the case!

That brings us to our Picture Book Spotlight of the Month: A Place to Land by Barry Wittenstein and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney.

Who knew that the one of America’s great orators had trouble writing his speech on the night before the March on Washington in 1963? Barry Wittenstein with the help of the illustrious Jerry Pinkney, beautifully tells the story of the night before the March on Washington.

This book is not only beautifully illustrated but most definitely beautifully written. It draws you into the mind of Dr. King and the process he endured to write not only the “perfect” speech, but to create “a place to land”. Jerry Pinkney’s colorful illustrations bust at the seams with vivid movement and perfect composition. You can just hear the sounds of each setting as you turn the pages!

This book is the perfect read-aloud for you and your child! I would even go so far to say that it’s the perfect book for all ages (adults included). A Place to Land shows each readers how not to give, even when the tasks are daunting and a bit scary. When faced with the hard task of creating and finishing his speech, Dr. King did not give up nor give in. He kept going and LET GO. He pressed through and his speech is one of greatest speeches in the world. Don’t give up! Don’t give in! You can do it!

And as always, HAPPY READING!