Book Review: A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr, and the Speech That Inspired a Nation by Barry Wittenstein

A story of the inspiration Dr. Martin Luther King used to create his most famous speech.

Pinkney's illustrations help bring this text to life. The pictures give a sharp yet soft tone to the tension of Dr. King's process of creating the iconic " I Have a Dream" speech. He adds the names of those who gave advice and inspiration allowing for recognition of all who were involved in the creation of the famous words. The smallest of details in each illustration gives weight to the moments that would become an integral part of history. Wittenstein's verse is beautifully set on each page, letting the illustrations add to the meaning of the text in a subtle yet commanding way. The reader can feel the struggle and the weight of what Dr. King was tasked with in the creation of the speech and how his background was able to help him find the tone that resonated with the world.

Book Information:

Wittenstein, B. (2019). A PLACE TO LAND. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. New York: Neal Porter Books. ISBN 9780823443314

Lesson Idea: 

Have students research the advisors who helped Dr. King and the others who spoke at the March on Washington. At the end of the book, the author provides short biographies of these influential reverends, preachers, and activists.

What next?

Read The Boo-Boos that Changed the World: A True Story About an Accidental Invention (Really!) by Wittenstein.