Fictional characters share their experience of the famous march.

This is an excellent book of stories and poems using some of the actual people at the march on Washington that occurred on August 28, 1963, and some of the poems were written by the authors in order to emphasize the sheer magic of the event.

I've read so much about the Civil Rights movement and yet there is still so much to learn. Amazingly, 200,000 strong, the group came from all parts of the United States and left without a shred of violence. In peace, they heard the songs of Mahalia Jackson, the folk group Peter, Paul and Mary, and Joan Baez. In peace, their hearts soared at the emphatic words of Martin Luther King, Jr. when he gave his now famous I have a dream speech. Ledger Smith, a professional roller skater left Chicago on August 17th and skated 685 miles in ten days to be present at the March. Charles Jackson,a voluntary detective from Jersey City, NJ who came to assist the Washington Police Department. stood right behind Martin Luther King, Jr.. Later, he told his son that during the speech he say two clouds form as a cross, taking this as a sign from God.

Highly recommended. ( )

This book is a number of poems “written” by imaginary people at the March on Washington that occurred on August 28, 1963. There was one line about it being up to people to straighten out the things in our nation’s history when we take a wrong turn. Wonderful poems. ( )

Perspectives in verse on the March on Washington from participants real and imagined. ( )

Voices from the March on Washington by J. Patrick Lewis and George Ella Lyon is a powerful poem collection providing readers with a wide range of perspectives on this historic day.

The poems in this book will transport youth fifty years into the past. Although many books chronicle the events of August 28, 1963, few capture the emotions of the experience. Through poetry, readers become immersed in the hope, pride, and excitement of the march.

From analyzing the inspiring title page photograph to discussing the impact of individual poems, the possibilities for classroom activities related to the Civil Rights Movement are endless.

Use the poems to jumpstart activities. When Langston Hughes is mentioned, bring out his poems to extend the experience. When poets talk about Jim Crow, show photos reflecting racial segregation.

Beyond the poems, the book’s introduction provides an excellent overview to the time period and context of event. In addition, the guide at the end of the book includes biographical notes about the key people mentioned in the book along with additional resources to extend the reading experience.

Add this book to the growing collection of high-quality works associated with the Civil Rights Movement in America. ( )