Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song by Andrea Davis Pinkney (review)

This picture-book tribute to the civil rights movement focuses on two voices that stirred listeners to action: the preacher's oratory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the powerful contralto of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. Rather than presenting standard biographical background, author Pinkney discusses in her own rhythmic prose the effect these two voices had on their listeners: "Martin's voice had a force all its own. . . . Steady as a train pressing forward," while "Mahalia's voice was brass and butter. Strong and smooth at the same time." The two voices famously rang out in counterpoint at the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, with Mahalia Jackson settling the crowd with the soulful "I've Been 'Buked" immediately before Dr. King delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. Brian Pinkney's watercolor illustrations are rendered in clear, springtime hues replete with optimism; phrases from speeches, songs, signage, and exhortation wind across and through stylized scenes from the movement and the March. End matter includes historical notes, a timeline, a bibliography, and a Mahalia Jackson discography. Readers seeking material to expand Shane Evans' poignant We March (BCCB 1/12) will find a worthy match here.