A Guy, a Girl, and a Teen Book Blog

A Guy, a Girl, and a Teen Book Blog

Saturday, February 28, 2015

March: Book Two by John Lewis

Title: March: Book Two
Author: John Lewis (with Andrew Aydin) & illustrated by Nate Powell
Pages: 160
Publisher: Top Shelf Productions
ISBN: 9781603094009
Publication Date: January 27, 2015
AR Levels: TBA
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22487952-march

In a nutshell: Picking up where book one left off, book two follows John Lewis' work as a Freedom Rider and as an organizer of the March on Washington during the Civil Rights Movement.

I'd recommend it to grades: 9 and up

I'd recommend it to: teachers for Black History Month reading lists, fans of biographies, and budding activists

What I liked most about this book: This second installment of the graphic memoir trilogy took the series to a whole new level. The way Lewis' presence at Obama's inauguration is weaved into his memories of his work with SNCC on the Freedom Rides and the March on Washington is pure genius. Some of the single panel artwork nearly broke my heart it was so gripping, particularly a darkly sinister one of a group of Klansmen. I was so moved by this book, and it taught me more about the Civil Rights Movement than anything else ever has. Lewis' insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of the movement is fascinating. This is the perfect format for this true story, and I can't wait for book three.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): There's another single panel that made me tear up. During a protest, a police officer asks a small African-American girl what it is that she wants, and she simply and innocently replies, "f'eedom." It's a quiet yet powerful moment that perfectly sums up the book's themes and tone.

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars

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