Book of the Day: March: Book One

 

The Book of the day, March: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and illustrated by Nate Powell. This graphic novel is dedicated to the life and Civil Rights work of Congressman John Lewis, and has received the 2014 Coretta Scott King Award.  March begins with Lewis’ vivid description of his childhood in rural Alabama through his college years in Nashville, Tennessee.  During this time Lewis recalls his inspirational meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the start of the Nashville Student Movement, and his involvement in demonstrative sit-ins.  We also get to see other important figures of the Civil Rights movement such as: Rosa Parks, Jim Lawson and Z. Alexander Looby.

 

 Lewis even pays tribute to his school library and librarian, stating “I loved going to the library.  It was the first time I ever saw Black newspapers and magazines like JET, Ebony, the Baltimore Afro-American, or the Chicago Defender.  And I’ll never forget my librarian.” 

March: Book One is the first installment of John Lewis’ trilogy.  The next 2 volumes will be released over the next couple of years.  Come check out this book at the Mississippi Library Commission or your local library.  This novel is also a new title that will soon be part of the Book Club in a Box titles for public libraries.  For more information on Book Club in a Box contact Ally Mellon at 601-432-4117 or amellon@mlc.lib.ms.us.