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by Ann Bausum (Author), Solomon Hughes (Illustrator)
When Martin Luther King Jr. landed in Memphis on April 3, 1968, no one knew he would be killed the next day. When he gave his famous Mountaintop speech, no one knew it would be his last. And when the world learned of his death, no one knew exactly how deeply his legacy would live on. Interwoven with excerpts from "I've Been to the Mountaintop" and "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" (the song played at King's funeral), The Day King Died recounts the last 24 hours of his life while reminding us how his teachings continue to endure. A Harmonious Tribute: This remarkable book interweaves excerpts from Dr. King's iconic "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech and the soul-stirring hymn "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" - a song that played at his funeral. Through these powerful words and the collective artistry of the illustrators, "The Day King Died" pays tribute to the last 24 hours of Dr. King's life, preserving his memory with grace and reverence. A Timeless Legacy: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings and dreams remain as relevant today as they were during the civil rights movement. This book serves as a poignant reminder of his enduring legacy, challenging us to carry forward the torch of justice, equality, and love that he so valiantly carried in his time. "The Day King Died" is a beautifully crafted homage that invites readers to reflect on the impact of a single individual whose courage and determination shaped the course of history. It's a poignant and timely tribute to a man whose dream continues to inspire and guide us.
Author Biography
Ann Bausum was ten years old when she heard the news of the death of Martin Luther King, Jr., announced on national TV. Years later, she wrote multiple books for young readers and teens about this and other pivotal events from social justice history, including the Freedom Rides of 1961 and the March Against Fear in 1966. Her work in Memphis for a book about the city's 1968 sanitation workers strike inspired this commemoration of Dr. King's final days. Having come of age in the American South, she lives now in southern Wisconsin.
