Nonfiction book analysis: “Martin Luther King, Jr”

In a visually appealing biography, Martin Luther King, Jr.: A photographic story of a life, tells the story of MLK’s days as a boy from “Dixie” to finding faith, a dream, a crusade, his untimely death, and his impact on a nation. Published by DK Publishing, Inc., the 2004 non-fiction book is one of the first of thirty-seven in the DK Biography series for readers ranging from ages eight to seventeen years old.

The author, Amy Pastan, is a writer and editor of illustrated books for children and young adults. She wrote two other DK Biography’s — Gandhi and First Ladies. She’s also a former acquisitions editor for art and humanities at the Smithsonian Institution Press.

The Bibliography and Works Cited sections of the book show an exhaustive use of published materials by previous authors and books, including Coretta Scott King’s My Life With Martin Luther King, Jr., published in 1969, and The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. An Index, Picture Credits, an Author’s Note, and a For Further Study section is also included.

In chronological order, the author takes the reader from the birth and death of MLK and events in between. This makes the story easy to follow for a young reader. Each chapter, as listed in the Table of Contents, is designated as one of the major events in MLK’s life, such as “Battling in Birmingham” and “Marching in Selma.”

The 14-point typeface and leading make the text easier to read and follow along for a young reader. The writing is clear and informative of what particular events were like, such as being present during the march in Selma as troopers “released tear gas into the crowd, which sent the marchers staggering, choking, and gagging for air.” The book also briefly covers the controversy surrounding MLK’s death, but then jumps to the next chapter on how MLK has been remembered and honored since his death.

The design of the biography includes a balance of text and photography. Each spread includes one or two photographs, extending to the text by providing information that the text does not specifically identify. Many of the photographs also support the text in enhancing what information is included on the page. Examples include a photograph and caption of the Freedom Riders in Chapter Five’s “Fighting Back” and the photograph that was taken from the balcony in Memphis shortly before MLK was shot in Chapter Ten’s “Striking in Memphis.”

Other interesting elements include definition boxes and sidebars throughout the chapters, and a timeline of events right before the Bibliography.