Bibliography Bolden, Tonya. 2007. M.L.K.: Journey of a King. Book design by Celina Carvalno. ISBN 978-0-8109-5476-2
Plot Summary
Tonya Bolden's book, M.L.K.: Journey of a King, is a story about the life of well known civil right's activist, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Bolden writes about the journey of the Nobel Peace Prize winner starting from his infancy and ending with his assassination. She details how "M.L.," as he was affectionately called, was inspired to do great things even when he was frowned upon just for being Black. At an early age, the reader learns how M.L. became aware of the injustices that the Black race faced not only by witnessing their unconstitutional treatment, but by also experiencing this blatant hate for Blacks that often times turned brutal and violent. Not to be thwarted by the continued prejudices against the Black race, Dr. King dedicated his life to fighting for not only the equal rights of Blacks, but for equality among the entire human race. During his activism, this son, brother, husband, preacher, orator,writer, and friend walked many miles while being supported by his loving wife, Coretta Scott King and their four children Yolanda, Bernice, Dexter, and Martin Luther, III. While on his many journeys to fight for justice, Dr. King stopped and made speeches to 1000's of listeners. His best known speech, "I Have a Dream," was given in 1963 from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial In this riveting, historical speech, Dr. King speaks of the need for racial equality among Blacks and Whites and how they should be able to live in a world peacefully without the need for segregation. Also in this book, Bolden describes the friendships that Dr. King formed with many prominent Blacks we know today. The aliances he had with such people as Rosa Parks, who sparked the Bus Boycotts in the 60's, Rev Jesse Jackson, Andrew Young, Rev. Albernathy and many others activists during the Civil Right's Movement, helped to make M.L's vision for racial equality more attainable. However, this vision was cut short when he was killed by James Earl Ray on April 4, 1968.
Critical Analysis
Bolden takes the reader on an emotional journey through out the course of this book. She constructs the book in a way that's heartfelt and makes the reader wish for the "agape" love Dr. King constantly spoke of. Dr. King said this is the kind of love he had for people who persecuted him and his people. He said he had a "higher, harder love for them. A love that has nothing to do with liking a person, a love worthy of people who do you no good and even do you wrong. Agape says to see past a person's sins to the soul God loves." The chronologicl order of this touching story gives the reader a good understanding of the leader's life and the time line in the back of the book shares "selected moments from the context of M.L.'s life." It also provides many other occurrences that have contributed to people's adoration of this historical figure. Bolden is able to uplift the reader as they are learning about the agonies of Dr. King by including connotations of prayer. For example, M.L. says we should pray in times such as when Time Magazine named him "Man of the Year" and even be prayerful when "he was jailed for three days for a participating in a restaurant sit-in." The author's way of reminding us of Dr. King's spiritual connection with God and his non-violent approach to fighting for justice also helped to lift our spirits as she graciously retold the story of Dr. Kings short, legendary life.
From just the jacket of the book, we know that Bolden will reacqaint the reader with the powerful leader, Dr. M.L.K, Jr. His hand is stretched high as if he is embracing the world as he speaks about equal rights for everyone. The black and white pictures in the book speak volumes. Many of them are of the smiling, handsome face of M.L. with his family and they exude such warmth that in many instances, the reader may become emotional.
This is an excellent book to share with readers not only during periods such as Black History Month, but anytime examples of great leaders are needed.
Review Excerpts
Starred review in Voice of Youthh Advocates: "Bolden offers a captivating, exceptionally well researched portrait of Martin Luther king, Jr. giving readers a tantalizing glimpse of the ordinary, flawed human behind the often worshipped public persona."
Starred review in School Library Journal: "This portrait, rich in personal feeling and well endowed with direct, sometimes extended quotes, will leave readers with a strong, and perhaps inspiring sense of the passion and depth of Dr. King..."
Connections
*Gather other books about noted African Americans written by Tonya Bolden:
The Champ: The Story of Muhammad Ali. ISBN 0440417821
Rock of Ages: A Tribute to the Black Church. ISBN 0679894853
*Gather books written by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:
A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr.
ISBN 0060646918
Strength to Love. ISBN 0800614410
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