Voices from the March on Washington by J. Patrick Lewis

Voices from the March on Washington by J. Patrick Lewis and George Ella Lyon. 114 p. Wordsong/ Boyds Mills Press, October, 2014. 9781620917855. (Finished copy courtesy of publisher for review.)

Seventy, mostly first-person poems from mostly fictionalized narrators give young readers a you-are-there glimpse into one of the most galvanizing events in the Civil Rights Movement - the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, August 28, 1963. Some 250,000 participants traveled on foot, by bus and by train to march for jobs and racial equality. They were young and old, black and white, educated and striving. While variety of speakers gave speeches and musicians, such as Mahalia Jackson, Marian Anderson and Joan Baez performed, the day is probably best known for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s momentous "I Have a Dream" speech.

Perfect for pairing with Shane W. Evans' picture book, We March for highlighting the idea that individuals can make a difference or as an introduction to the Civil Rights Movement. This powerful and accessible novel is a unique addition to any school or public libray collection. An authors' note, bibliography and time line conclude the volume.