Sharing the dream

It's August 1963, and young Agnes and her parents are on a bus headed from Birmingham to the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. After stopping at the former home of Frederick Douglass, where Agnes is pleased to find a water fountain without a "Whites Only" sign, the bus takes them to the starting point for the event. As the marchers proceed toward the Lincoln Memorial, more and more people join them. Sitting on her father's shoulders, Agnes listens as civil rights leaders from John Lewis to Josephine Baker address the crowd and Mahalia Jackson sings. When Dr. King begins to speak, Mahalia Jackson urges him, "Tell 'em about the dream." The demonstrators fall silent, and he shares his inspirational vision of the future. Written from Agnes' point of view, the first-person narrative transports its audience to the most successful civil rights march in American history, as experienced by a child who is moved by Dr. King's powerful "I Have a Dream" speech. Mallett's accomplished digital paintings reflect the family's experiences while bringing the marchers and speakers to life on the page. This inviting picture book offers broader context for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and a child-friendly way to open Black History Month.

Young narrator Agnes, plus Mama and Daddy, travel by bus from Birmingham, Ala., to Washington, D.C., in this dream-centered picture book tracing one family's experience of the March on Washington. Upon arrival, the Black family visits the home of Frederick Douglass. When Agnes sees "people of every color" sharing a water fountain, Mama assures, "We are one today." A visit to the Lincoln Memorial is followed by figures seen from Daddy's shoulders: John Lewis, Josephine Baker, Mahalia Jackson, and Martin Luther King Jr. Following the event, people of all backgrounds together soak their tired feet in the reflection pond. Riding home, Agnes dreams that the whole world attends King's speech, a moment that underlines the book's themes of freedom for all. Moses provides a child's-eye view of a pivotal historical event, while Mallett's straightforward digital illustrations use bright colors to foreground the family's day amid the large crowd, portrayed with various skin tones. An author's note and figure biographies conclude. Ages 3--7. (Jan.)

The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, seen through the eyes of a young Black girl. Along with her parents, young Agnes travels by bus from Birmingham, Alabama, to Washington, D.C., proud to be taking part in this momentous occasion in the summer of 1963. Munching on a homemade sandwich, Agnes dreams of prominent figures of the Civil Rights Movement such as Sidney Poitier, Lena Horne, and Jackie Robinson. (Backmatter offers a spotlight on some of the famous people who were part of the March.) Once in D.C., a detour to the historic home of Frederick Douglass places a lot of what's happening in helpful perspective. The family reads a famous quote by Douglass: "I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong." Agnes is pleasantly surprised to see people from all walks of life using the same water fountains (there are no "whites only" signs in sight), marching shoulder to shoulder, sharing a poignant moment in the reflection pond, and uniting for what's right. Sitting on Daddy's shoulders, Agnes takes in monumental words from John Lewis and Josephine Baker, a moving performance from Mahalia Jackson, and, ultimately, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. Moses' text is tinged with childlike excitement and wonder. Mallett's digital illustrations glow with warmth, with Agnes' braids and yellow bows framing her joyful face as she listens to the speakers with pride. A stirring tale and proof positive that young people can help make history, too. (author's note)(Picture book. 6--9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.