The Cart That Carried Martin - Softcover

Bunting, Eve

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1580893880 ISBN 13: 9781580893886

Publisher: Charlesbridge, 2018

Synopsis

The strength and spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. permeates this picture book about the funeral of Dr. King in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1968. Quiet, yet affecting, THE CART THAT CARRIED MARTIN is a unique tribute to the life of a man known world-wide for his outstanding efforts as a leader of the African-American Civil Rights Movement.

Eve Bunting focuses on the funeral procession of Dr. King, beginning with the two men who found the cart to carry him through the streets of Atlanta. After painting it green, two mules named Belle and Ada are hitched to the cart where Dr. King’s coffin is placed. Tens of thousands of mourners gather as the cart makes its way to Ebenezer Baptist Church, and then past the Georgia state capitol to Morehouse College. All the while, crowds of people pay their respects by singing songs of hope.

Bunting’s thoughtful, well-chosen words, coupled with Don Tate’s soft colors provide the reader with a sense of hope and reverence, rather than the grief and despair one might expect.

Back matter includes a brief introduction to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s work, assassination, and funeral, accompanied by a full-color historical photograph of the real cart, drawn by Belle and Ada.

About this title

About the Author

Eve Bunting has written more than two hundred books for young readers, including THE BABY SHOWER, THE WEDDING, and SMOKY NIGHT, the winner of the 1995 Caldecott Medal. Her books are often about important social issues. Born in Ireland, she now lives in California.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

The cart was old. Its paint had faded. It was for sale outside Cook's Antiques and Stuff. Nobody wanted it. 
        Then two men came along.
        "This is exactly what we're looking for," one said. "We'll buy it." 
        But the store was closed.
        They came by again.
        The store was still closed. 
        "We'll borrow it," the first man said. 
        "We can't do that," the other replied.
        "We can. We'll bring it back when he's finished with it." 
        A truck was brought to take away the cart. Friends painted it green.
        "It's the color of grass when it rains," a woman said.
        "He would like that," said a man.
        The cart was moved again and parked at the Ebenezer Baptist Church. Waiting. 
        Two mules were hitched to the cart. The mules' names were Belle and Ada. 
        "Ordinary mules for an ordinary funeral," the people told one another. "That was what he wanted."
        "The mule is a symbol of freedom," someone said. "Each slave got a mule and forty acres when he was freed."

About this edition

• Publisher: Charlesbridge
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1580893880
• ISBN 13: 9781580893886
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Tate Don