The Cart That Carried Martin

The strength and spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. permeates this picture book about Dr. King's funeral 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.

Author: Eve Bunting
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Published: 08/01/2013
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 9.80h x 11.10w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781580893879
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.6
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 161305 / Cart That Carried Martin


Award: Virginia Readers Choice Award - Nominee
Award: North Carolina Children's Book Award - Nominee


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 08/15/2013
Kirkus Reviews Fall Preview 08/15/2013 pg. 37
Publishers Weekly 09/30/2013
School Library Journal 11/01/2013 pg. 125
Booklist 11/01/2013 pg. 58
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 12/01/2013 pg. 204 - Book Of Special Distinction
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2014 pg. 139 - Recommended, Satisfactory

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.