My Uncle Martin's Big Heart
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
A moving portrait of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. from his niece
My Uncle Martin’s Big Heart is a story about love: love between a young girl and her uncle, and all the love she sees her uncle share—with his family members, with his church congregation, and with all people. In this inspiring narrative about Martin Luther King Jr.—told by his niece—young readers will discover the story of the man behind the civil rights hero and activist, one of the most influential figures of the twentieth century.
As Angela Farris Watkins, PhD, introduces children to her uncle, she presents them with a rare glimpse into his life at home, including special family moments. What unfolds is a story of character and service to God, family, and humankind, and of how one man’s extraordinary love changed the history of the United States and the world.
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In her first book for children, Watkins offers an affectionate tribute to King (known to his family as Uncle M.L. ), emphasizing his love of family and laughter. While she notes his accomplishments as orator and civil rights activist, her focus is on personal memories of her uncle, who was killed before the author turned four. The reminiscences are anecdotal: Watkins recalls that King would divert his attention from the congregants who were waiting to greet him after he preached to give her a kiss and a great big hug! And on one visit to her home, he was so tired, he fell asleep on our living room couch with his shoes on! Can you imagine? More memorable than the theatrical and repetitive narrative are the realistic paintings Velasquez (My Friend Maya Loves to Dance) offers of King, who is shown at work and with his immediate family. In an artist s note, Velasquez explains that he intentionally portrayed Watkins as older than she actually was during King s lifetime; the scenes of uncle and niece together poignantly reveal the bond between them. Ages 4 8.
