Lewis, J. (2016). March book three. Marietta, Georgia: Top Shelf Productions.
In this comic book like non-fiction graphic novel, the third book of the March trilogy, John Lewis tells the story of fighting for African Americans to register to vote in the black belt south. Through brilliant pictures, word bubbles and narrative filled frames, Lewis recounts stories from 1963-1965 when Alabama and Mississippi was making it near impossible for black Americans to register to vote. Lewis talks about plans made and pursued while he was the chairmen of the SNCC and of those he worked with within that organization and other organizations fighting for the rights of African Americans across the nation. Lewis tells stories (and so do the pictures) of many different people who were either beat or ended up being killed in the fight against oppression. He recounts conversations and happenings with President Johnson, a trip to Africa to talk with those fighting Apartheid, and many different demonstrations and marches, as well as the Freedom Vote and Freedom Summer. The book concludes with the Bloody Sunday March and the successful passing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
The black and white graphics of this novel are OUTSTANDING. Very powerful! This non-fiction book is an eye-opener to the injustices living in our country not so long ago, 100 years after slavery was abolished. Students studying the civil rights era of our nation would have an enhanced learning experience in reading the MARCH books. It can get a little heavy and the politics can get a bit confusing, but it sure beats a text book or online database of facts. March Book Three won several awards including the Printz award for exemplifying excellence in young adult literature. It has also received the Coretta Scott King award, given to outstanding African American authors. It also received YALSA's award for Excellence in Nonfiction. Additionally it is a #1 New York Times Bestseller. Here is a booktrailer for March Book Three.
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