John Lewis in the Lead

Review
By Center for Children's Books

(The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books) The fact that [John Lewis] was one of the youngest activists makes him both an appealing figure and somebody who experienced the movement in its full duration (he remains today prominent as a congressman from Georgia), and it’s clear that his commitment had costs (he’s repeatedly assaulted and beaten) that were unable to turn him from his goals. Andrews’ lanky, silent figures exude purpose, and he offers a few stunning compositions (the face off between the marchers and the state troopers in Selma is depicted in a dramatic aerial view) that vividly dramatize the history. This will be a compelling introduction for youngsters… and its focus on a still-living activist may encourage kids to start looking around for movement participants in their own families and neighborhoods.