Martin's Dream: Ready-to-Read Level 1

by Jane Kurtz, Amy June Bates (Illustrator)

Embrace the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in this Level 1 Ready-to-Read storybook.

In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech that proclaimed that it was time—long overdue—for all men to be treated as equals. Today, his beliefs are more important than ever, and this nonficiton book explains his words in language that will be clear for even the youngest reader.

Genres: African American, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published November 25, 2008

About the author

Jane Kurtz was born in Portland, Oregon, but when she was two years old, her parents moved to Ethiopia. Jane grew up in Maji, a small town in the southwest corner of the country.
Since there were no televisions, radios, or movies, her memories are of climbing mountains, wading in rivers by the waterfalls, listening to stories, and making up her own stories, which she and her sisters acted out for days at a time.


That love of nature has recently inspired her to write books about loving the Earth--such as WHAT DO THEY DO WITH ALL THAT POO? and PLANET JUPITER.

Jane has published more than 40 books, fiction, nonfiction, picture books, novels for young readers, and ready-to-reads. Some are based on her childhood in Ethiopia. Some draw on her own children, such as ANNA WAS HERE, a novel for young readers that asks life's big questions about pain and disaster--and offers a few puny answers.

Since her childhood in Ethiopia, Jane has lived in Illinois, Colorado, North Dakota, Kansas and--now--back in Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

[Lauran Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice tribute to Dr.King. It was written for children in reading level one and it has a great pattern of rhyming the words in every other line. This would be a nice story to read to a Kindergarten or first grade classroom during Black History Month or close to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The children could be given a piece of paper with "I have a dream that..." written on it. They would then write what they dream of that could change the world for the better. Just and idea :)

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for what it is - a level 1 easy reader that gives a brief intro to Dr. King’s activism at a child’s level.

My 1st grader read it himself with few problems and the text felt appropriate and repetitive with phonics, repeating the “ea” sound along with other double vowels, as well as persistent rhyming.

Sometimes I love the idea of certain Easy Readers, but the text either feels inappropriately leveled lower than it should, or the text is kept at reading level (w/ very simple wording) at the expense of the story. I felt this book did a great job at balancing both needs.

I did not remove stars because of the lack of depth on MLK’s life, and like to give stars based on a book adequately doing its job. This is not the book for that, so we are supplementing other childrens books on his life for a more holistic view of who he was. :)

[Alice Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very accessible early reader that worked well with my 2.5 year old. Not too dense, but not too sparse.

[Jasmin Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martin's Dream is a great story that introduces Martin Luther King Jr. to beginning readers. The story depicts all the things MLK did to help make the changes he made during his time. It is a detailed story of the facts he overcame during his struggle to make the world a different place. Overall, this is a great story to help introduce beginning readers to MLK and a great book to use during black history month.

[Rukia Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is quite moving and thoughtful. Although the book's intended audience is beginning readers, it is cetainly one that I would share with preschool aged as well. The book and its beautiful illustrations captures the essence of Dr. Martin Luther Kings' Dream with rhymes and clever text.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy reader title that introduces readers to the Martin Luther King Jr.'s message and his methods. Watercolor illustrations are beautiful and text is simple enough to be read aloud.

I can't wait to use this title to discuss this important man and his work with PreK-2 audiences.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very good book to help little guys understand a little bit about who Dr Martin Luther King Jr was and what he represented. This is a Ready To Read Level 1 so words are easy and story is easy to understand.

[Breana Vining · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is great for beginning readers as they can learn the great history of Mr. Martin Luther King Jr.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is for beginning readers, but I love the fact that it is written in verse.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good intro to Dr. King. Words are easy to grasp and give as good as an interpretation of Mr. King's words as they can at this reading level.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for MLK day level one.