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Moses D. Powe
Author, Service Provider
Sean Moses Is Martin Luther, The King Jr.
Sean Moses is ready to give the young royals in your life a lesson on Black history like none you've ever heard! This story about an incredible young man is full of heart and is sure to make you smile. Sean Moses is asked to portray Martin Luther King Jr. for his school's Black History Month program. It's the leading role and he's ready to go! Except there's one problem; no matter how hard his parents try, Sean Moses keeps calling him "Martin Luther, the king." This is going to be a history lesson like none you've ever experienced, as Sean Moses explains why he's right to call Martin Luther King Jr. a "king." Readers will be introduced to a group of distinguished Black leaders, like Frederick Douglass, Barack Obama, Thurgood Marshall, Sgt. William Carney, W.E.B. Du Bois, Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, and "The King" MLK Jr. Enjoy this story with your little one, share rich history in an entertaining new way, and open up a conversation with your children about the power of Black culture. This book is your opportunity to remind your loved ones how they are, indeed, descended from royalty. Long Live the King!
Reviews
Equally informative and celebratory, Powe’s Sean Moses Is Martin Luther, the King is a love letter to the achievements of Black leaders, as well as an inspiration to the young readers, inviting them to imagine growing up to be leaders themselves.Sean Moses couldn’t be more excited about the leader he gets to portray in the Black History Month program at his school. As he invites his parents to guess whichBlack leader he has been assigned, Powe’s text and Angelina Valieva’s powerful illustrations introduce a succession of historical luminaries, such as Frederick Douglass and Civil War Medal of Honor winner Sgt. William Harvey Carney, with expressive and imaginative visions of young Sean as each.

The detailed and expressive illustrations bring both Sean and the leaders to vivid life. Fine touches like borders on the edges of pages create an appealing historical ambience, to go with the theme, though the choice to illustrate and print the book in black and white feels like a missed opportunity to fully represent and showcase Black identities. The format, switching back and forth between dialogue and then informational text blocks presented in the format of museum placards, also makes for a stilted reading experience, especially if being read aloud.

Even so, Sean’s cheerful demeanor, the book’s positive, inventively presented message, and the notable beauty of the illustrations (including those elaborately gilded information plates) make this a winning addition to the shelves of any family. Featuring historical figures most adults should be familiar with (Malcolm X, W.E.B. Du Bois), and championing some that are perhaps less well known, there’s something for everyone, whether young or old, history buff or reluctant history learner. A powerful and uplifting tribute to the accomplishments of Black Americans throughout history, Sean Moses is sure to delight and stir young readers–and adults hungry for some positivity–with its rousing spirit.

Takeaway: With an uplifting tone, young Sean Moses celebrates and identifies with the achievements of Black individuals throughout history.

Great for fans of: Kwame Alexander’s The Undefeated, Ellen Levine’s Henry's Freedom Box.

Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A-
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A

Kirkus Reviews (starred review) KIRKUS REVIEWS' BEST BOOKS OF 2021

"A well-illustrated tale that’s also a great pick to expand libraries’ Black history sections."

Midwest Book Review

"More than just another coverage of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life, this story explores, supports, and presents powerful Black figures in young peoples' lives...it is the perfect picture book read for adults looking to capture the excitement and greatness of Black people in history."

-D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

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