Common Sense Media/Common Sense Selection for Families

This riveting found poem for kids based on Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Street Sweeper” speech is creatively interpreted in this nonfiction picture book written by acclaimed author Alice Faye Duncan, accompanied by gorgeous artwork by award-winning illustrator E. B. Lewis.

★ Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ Booklist, starred review
★ School Library Journal, starred review
★ Youth Services Book Review, starred review

In a speech delivered in 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. provided his young audience with life lessons:

You count.
Black is beautiful.
Achieve excellence.
Make a better world.
Believe in nonviolence.
Keep going!

Today, award-winning author Alice Faye Duncan reinterprets King’s speech as a motivational erasure poem in The Dream Builder’s Blueprint, accompanied by spirited and inspired art by Philadelphia-born illustrator E. B. Lewis. Highlighting principles of excellence, activism, and compassion that remain relevant and necessary today, this book has a universal message that’s ideal for parents, librarians, and teachers looking for a book that distills Dr. King's principles to a level that kids can understand.

Included in the book is an author’s note that explains found poetry forms like the erasure poem and provides background information on the Civil Rights movement and Dr. King’s inspiring speech at Philadelphia’s Barratt Junior High School.

About the Author

Alice Faye Duncan is the author of Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop, which received a 2019 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor and five starred reviews; Coretta’s Journey, which was a 2023 Horn Book Fanfare Book and a Eureka! Nonfiction Childrens’ Honor Book; Traveling Shoes, and many more books for young readers.

Caldecott Honor and five-time Coretta Scott King award-winner E. B. Lewis is the illustrator of more than seventy books for children. His recent titles include Invincible, which was nominated for the Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Awards, Everywhere Beauty Is Harlem, which received four starred reviews and was a Kirkus Most Anticipated Book of 2024, and The Soldier’s Friend.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

We carry a comprehensive range of out of print and rare books.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Kennys Bookshop and Art Galleries (Holdings) Limited
Liosb�n Retail Park, Tuam Road, Galway, H91 N5P8, Ireland

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the Abebooks websites.

If you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the order hasn't arrived, you're eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date.

For any queries please use the contact seller link or send an email to books@kennys.ie

Conor Kenny

Shipping Terms

All books securely packaged. Some books ship from Ireland.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	14 to 20 business days	13 to 14 business days
First item	US$ 10.50	US$ 21.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.