The Dream Builder's Blueprint: Dr. King's Message to Young People

by Alice Faye Duncan, E.B. Lewis (Illustrator)

A riveting found poem based on Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Street Sweeper” speech.

Dr. King's words are creatively interpreted in this nonfiction picture book written by acclaimed author Alice Faye Duncan, accompanied by gorgeous artwork by E. B. Lewis.

In a speech delivered in 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. provided his young audience with life
You count.Black is beautiful.Achieve excellence.Make a better world.Believe in nonviolence.Keep going!
Today, award-winning author Alice Faye Duncan reinterprets King’s speech as a motivational erasure poem in The Dream Builder’s Blueprint, accompanied by spirited and inspired art by Philadelphia-born illustrator E. B. Lewis. This picture book includes an author’s note and back matter that explains found poetry forms like the erasure poem and provides background information on Dr. King’s inspiring speech at Philadelphia’s Barratt Junior High School. Highlighting principles of excellence, activism, and compassion that remain relevant and necessary today, this book has a universal message that’s ideal for parents, librarians, and teachers looking for a book that distills Dr. King, principles to a level that kids can understand. Included in the book is the full text of his speech “What is your life’s blueprint?” (also known as the “Street Sweeper” speech).

Genres: Picture Books, Poetry, Nonfiction, Childrens, History, Activism

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 6, 2026

Reviews

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her forthcoming book, Alice Faye Duncan creates an erasure poem using Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech "What Is Your Life's Blueprint?" that was delivered to a Philadelphia junior high school in 1967. Her poem is an uplifting and motivating message to people of all ages, not just the target audience of readers ages 7-10. This book will inspire you to go listen to King's full speech and maybe even to create your own erasure poem (Duncan gives instructions at the end). As with all of her books, Duncan gives historical context to the speech, which is helpful to know. This is a great book to continue to spread King's inspiring message to young people.

Thanks to Alice Faye Duncan and Calkins Creek for a free ARC copy.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did not often address children, but he did give a speech in 1967 at Barratt Junior High in Philadelphia. It’s a 20 minute speech that urges his audience to build a blueprint for their lives by staying in school, eschewing hate, and dreaming of ways to “transform injustice into justice.” The author has created an erasure poem from that speech. A forward explains the genre as a type of found poetry, and in back matter, there are substantial supporting materials to understanding the history of the speech, the historical figures that King mentions, how to write an erasure poem, and more, including photographs and a bibliography. This book is a librarian’s or teacher’s dream – a creative and educational take on a subject that is an important part of children’s education.

Duncan hones the major themes of the speech (which she encourages readers to watch on YouTube) into easily digestible bits that fit the format of a picture book and that leave lots of room for discussion. Lewis’s freeform artwork, done in mixed media of watercolor, markers, colored tissue and gouache, plays with patterns such as doors, books, cotton bolls, and stairs to create an impressionistic take on the poem. The last line in King’s speech is the last line of the poem. A door open to the vast unknown is shown on the last page with the words “Keep moving!” What a great discussion starter for elementary school classrooms.

[Kevin Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 92/105 for the year 4 star read. Releases 1/6/2026

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Calkins Creek Press, Astra Publishing House, and Alice Faye Duncan for access to this E-ARC.

This book is the second book I have read by Alice Duncan and I must say that her work gets better and better each time I read one of her works. This book offers a fresh perspective on Martin Luther King Jr. by drawing inspiration from one of his lesser known speeches from 1967.

Stylistically, this book offers a unique addition to the understanding of Dr. King by taking the form of an erasure poem. An erasure poem at the most basic level is the idea that a writer takes an existing piece of text such as King’s Speech and erases words to create a new poem. I have never seen this technique used in children’s nonfiction before. This technique kept me interested and Kept Dr. King’s vision of nonviolence and Strength at the forefront of my mind.
The illustrations were incredibly well done and visually striking
Overall, this is a phenomenal children’s book that adds more to Dr. King than what can be taught in elementary schools throughout the nation. I enthusiastically recommend this book.

[Little Batties · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice Faye Duncan's rendition of Dr. King's speech to a group of junior high students is inspiring. She has turned this speech into an educational, lyrical poem that carries an intensity like the original speech. It contains a powerful message, and it'd be a great book to utilize in a classroom setting for all ages.

I am thrilled at some of the extra pieces she has at the back of the book. They could be easily utilized and adapted to the classroom, and I love to see authors do things like this for those that read their books. As an educator, something like this makes me more inclined to want to use this in my own class.

It is a book I would definitely recommend to others, especially if you like history or poetry.

Thank you NetGalley and Astra Publishing House for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lila Danisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turning phenomenal speech into poem following with esthetic illustrations is a refreshing idea 🤌🏻👌🏻
For me, I could easily understand more about the main messages of Dr. King's speech. It also motivated me effortlessly.

I also ended up reading this book to my son. I introduced him to Dr. King and why he is so phenomenal. I simplify the words using in this book to words my son could understand. We watched video of the original speech Dr. King delivered. My son might not understand it (and this book) fully, but at least he could get the motivational vibes and it might stick with him. I definitely would continue reading this book to my son as his way of thinking growth more.

Thank you to Alice Faye Duncan, Astra Publishing House, Calkins Creek, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am fascinated by how the author used a speech given by Dr. King to create this attractively illustrated book for kids. A whole speech, a long block of text would often be too much for young readers and scare off reluctant ones. Duncan's use of erasure poetry magnifies the quality and meaning of the speech, rather than changing or minimizing it. It gives young people an opportunity to feel the power of King's speech without being intimidated by the length. The illustrations are meaningful yet dreamy and aspirational. I liked this very much.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a wonderfully inspiring book, Alice Faye Duncan has taken a speech by Martin Luther King to junior high students in Philadelphia and created an erasure poem to inspire everyone. It was one of his last speeches! The words chosen by Duncan will inspire everyone, and are lifted up beautifully with E.B. Lewis's incredible illustrations! I hope every classroom will find a copy and share with everyone!

[Marni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what this was walking into it, and I was pleasantly surprised. It uses a speech Martin Luther King gave at a junior high school, and the author created an erasure poem from it. Basically, she took the speech and created a poem by pulling out important words and ideas.

I love the powerful message she shares. I think I'm going to try creating erasure poems in things I study. It was effective way to get to the essence of the message.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never knew that MLK Jr. spoke to middle school students. Wondering if that speech could be used for an MLK program. This erasure poem should also be a welcome addition to program materials.

Maybe only a 4.5, some of the illustrations struck me as off. I think a hand is holding a ruler, but the and seems cut in half?

[Clarissa B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Gift Book

I know some of us like to give young people inspirational books to read as they move from one level of schooling to another. This is a recent picture book that is absolutely beautiful with a powerful message. Its message of being proud of who you are is universal and especially appropriate for African American youth.

[Katie Starling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Great message, and great explanation of “erasure poetry”. Nicely illustrated.

[Mary Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely brilliant erasure poem of Dr. King's speech to Barratt Junior High students in 1967. Powerful. Plus, illustrations by E. B. Lewis which amplify the power.

[Diane Rembert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This poetry book is inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Street Sweeper speech. It encourages kids to be all that they want to be. It’s one I would definitely recommend over and over again.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful introduction to a little known speech by Dr. King as well as erasure poetry. Definitely worth checking out!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring creative nonfiction. E.B. Lewis is a favorite for me, and this feels pushed a little outside of his typical style - in the best way.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
Dr. King made one speech to school-age children, and this is an erasure poem representation of the highlights of that speech.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one a lot - I loved books that teach me something new!

[Darlena Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to be in the presence of E.B. Lewis, a Literary GOAT! This is one of those picture books I think could very well serve as a foundational text for upper level research and close study on a high school or college level English/Social Studies class. In fact, in the post-COVID19 educational environment where students are much more prone to rely on computers and favor digital interactions; I think texts like this one can foster book reading, critical-thinking, and depth of knowledge. Combine it with partner texts and the same subject covered by different authors and you will encourage those higher-order thinking skills.

[Ashley : bostieslovebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice Faye Duncan uses erasure poetry to interpret Dr. King’s 1967 “What is Your Life’s Blueprint” speech to junior high school students — with its themes of Black is beautiful, activism, excellence, and compassion — in a way the youngest of readers can understand and connect with. E.B. Lewis’ wonderful illustrations enhance the reading experience.

The author tells how erasure poems in general are created and gives specifics regarding this book. At the end, the history of Dr. King’s original speech is discussed including a link to watch a video of the speech.

Additional information about historical figures referenced in the book, a how-to for writing your own erasure poem, brief summary of key Civil Rights Movement victories, and a bibliography make this an altogether engaging and educational read. I can see this being great in a classroom setting.

I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it!