{Synopsis} – In his meteoric, thirteen-year rise to fame, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a mass movement for Civil Rights — with his relentless peaceful, non-violent protests, public demonstrations, and eloquent speeches. But as violent threats cast a dark shadow over Dr. King’s life, Swanson hones in on James Earl Ray, a bizarre, racist, prison escapee who tragically ends King’s life.As he did in his bestselling Scholastic MG/YA books Chasing LIncoln’s Killer and “THE PRESIDENT HAS BEEN SHOT!”, Swanson transports readers back to one of the most shocking, sad, and terrifying events in American history.With an introduction by Congressman John Lewis, and over 80 photographs, captions, bibliography, various source notes, and index included.
{My thoughts} – I have always enjoyed reading non-fiction books based on past events that have helped to shape the history of the United States of America. This book helps to show what it was like for those individuals that were trying to make a difference in a world so different from the one that we are living in today.
Martian Luther King JR. was a phenomenal individual that had a dream. He wanted all races to be able to coexist in the same places. He wanted all races to have the same rights. He wanted a better world for us all to live in. Although his dream helped to shape the world we now live in, it is true that there is still a ton of racism. We may be able to coexist by eating in the same places, working the same jobs, riding the same types of transportation in the same ways, but that doesn’t change how many individuals still treat those that are different differently. There are so many forms of racism out there, for so many different reasons, and despite his best efforts, Martian Luther King JR wasn’t able to make it all go away, but he was able to assist in I suppose helping to make it more tolerable. Although, I don’t think racism is something that should ever be tolerated, I’m not really sure of how else I Can word this.
James Earl Raye, he was an individual that was brought up in a family that prospered from crime. It was no surprise that he’d ended up in prison. It was however, surprising he’d escaped. I still can’t understand why people do the things that people do. Why people hurt others, kill others, treat others like they don’t matter. James Earl Raye had no logical reason for wanting King dead other then he’d decided he was going to kill him and that was that. He killed him, then he went on the run. I am shocked as to how long he’d avoided capture and I am surprised as to how well forensics worked back when this murder had taken place.
There are some things in this book I could have gone a lifetime without reading. The main thing is the description in how the author explains how King had died. When I imagine that taking place in my mind it makes me want to scream out. I can only imagine how horrifying it was for those that were present to have witnessed King’s final moments.
I highly recommend this book for anyone that enjoys reading about history. I think that anyone that is more interested in learning about King’s story will also enjoy reading this book. I think it could make a great addition to any school or child’s library.
Final Conclusion: 5 Star Rating.
