"The time has come for this Nation to fulfill its promise. . . ."
John F. Kennedy was born one hundred years ago. As America's thirty-fifth president, he often took bold actions: establishing a peace corps and challenging Americans to land on the moon. But on civil rights, it took the urging and the example of other courageous people—leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Jackie Robinson, and even students and children—to help him realise that the time to act was NOW.
On June 11, 1963, Kennedy's "big speech"—his civil rights address—was a game changer, and his efforts laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Act of 1964; but our country's work is not finished.
Acclaimed author Shana Corey and New York Times Best Illustrated artist R. Gregory Christie deliver a fresh and deeply human look at one of our country's most inspiring presidents, underscoring the greatness and fallibility of our leaders and how each one of us, no matter who we are, have the power to make a difference.
With quotes from JFK's speeches, detailed back matter, and a thought-provoking author's note, this biography offers a sensitive look at a tumultuous time in history and compelling questions about effecting positive change today.
About the Author
Shana Corey has written several picture books, among them Here Come the Girl Scouts!, a New York Times Editors' Choice, You Forgot Your Skirt, Amelia Bloomer, which the New York Times called "a picture book girls are likely to love." and The Secret Subway, which Kirkus called "Absolutely wonderful in every way.”
About the Illustrator
R. Gregory Christie is a three-time recipient of the Coretta Scott King Honor Award for Illustration and a two-time recipient of the New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Year Award. He's also a recipient of the NAACP's Image Award, The Boston Globe's Horn Book Award, and the American Library Associations' Theodore Seuss Geisel Award in Illustration.
Industry Reviews
**Starred Review. Excellent. The dramatic and innovative illustrations beautifully capture a place in time and the people who inhabited it. The back matter is powerful addition to a most thoughtful book.--Booklist
Christie's illustrations show a good, moody application of radiant paint and a sharp caricaturist's touch.--Kirkus Reviews
This is a timely and relevant book...Corey's prose rings natural and true, and will definitely feel relatable to young teens and 'tweens who are seeking to define themselves and their principals. Artist R. Gregory Christie's illustrations of children with elongated necks and determined faces courageously carrying the signs that demand equality all help to loan a collage-ish look and feel to this important book. Use this to teach tolerance, equality, integration, social studies, and the fundamentals of American laws.--Rita Lorraine Hubbard "New York Journal of Books "
...a well-crafted book that respects the complex president Kennedy was, respects child readers, and respects the sometimes thorny intricacies of conviction. Be sure to find a copy, come April.--Julie Danielson "Kirkus Reviews "
**Starred Review. Christie's impressionistic illustrations are poignant...Though there are numerous biographies on Kennedy for this audience, few focus solely on his role in civil rights, making this work a dynamic addition for U.S. history collections.--Margaret Nunes, Gwinnett County Public Library, GA "School Library Journal "
A story of John Kennedy's short but historic life that rings with truth and excitement. Readers of all ages... will appreciate this moving lesson in American history.--Senator Harris Wofford, President John F. Kennedy's Special Assistant on Civil Rights
