His Dream, Our Stories: The Legacy of the March On Washington

Gr 6 Up—Outstanding writing and more than 20 compelling videos combine to tell the story of the 1963 gathering on the Washington Mall that culminated in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. Among the many who braved the overwhelming crowds (estimated between 200,000 and 300,000) and record-breaking heat to attend—and/or share their stories here—were Jesse Jackson, Mamie Chalmers, Peter Yarrow, and Andrew Young. In addition to reminiscences of that day, the app provides context for each vignette with details on the Greensboro sit-ins, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Detroit Walk to Freedom, and the Atlanta Student Movement.Among the video narratives is Jesse Jackson's account of his arrest in Greensboro, NC; his comments on Dr. King's "broken promise" message; and his memories of the civil rights leader's death. Other visuals include black-and-white archival photos of individuals, events, and documents, often several to a screen.Originally written to mark the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, this updated e-version includes fascinating bonus material including interviews with event organizers Roy Wilkins and Dr. King just days prior to the event. There's also an interactive component that allows readers to upload and save their own stories and photos for personal use and/or sharing. An excellent springboard for further study or classroom discussion.—Celeste Steward, Alameda County Library