TL;DR
March: Book One is a powerful graphic novel recounting John Lewis' early years in the civil rights movement, highlighting key events and nonviolent protests against segregation.
What is March: Book One about
March: Book One, authored by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin and illustrated by Nate Powell, is the first installment in a graphic novel trilogy that chronicles the early years of John Lewis, a key figure in the civil rights movement. The book covers his youth in rural Alabama, his pivotal meeting with Martin Luther King, Jr., the rise of the Nashville Student Movement, and their nonviolent sit-ins aimed at ending segregation. This vivid account blends personal narrative with historical context, offering an engaging and educational perspective on the struggle for civil and human rights.
March: Book One 5 Key Takeaways
Birth and Youth
John Lewis was born in rural Alabama, where he experienced the harsh realities of segregation and racial injustice from an early age. His upbringing on a sharecropper's farm instilled in him a deep sense of justice and commitment to change.
Meeting Martin Luther King, Jr.
A life-changing encounter with Martin Luther King, Jr., ignited Lewis' passion for activism and set him on a path toward civil rights leadership. King’s philosophy of nonviolence deeply influenced Lewis' approach to activism.
Nashville Student Movement
As a college student, Lewis became a founding member of the Nashville Student Movement, which organized nonviolent protests to challenge segregation. This group played a crucial role in the broader civil rights movement.
Lunch Counter Sit-ins
The Nashville Student Movement's lunch counter sit-ins were a pivotal effort in dismantling segregation. These nonviolent protests drew national attention and marked a significant step toward equality.
Climax at City Hall
The book builds to a climactic protest on the steps of City Hall, symbolizing the collective power and determination of the activists to achieve justice and equality.
Top March: Book One Quotes
- "You have to be persistent as a rain. Persistence can wear down any rock."
- "We must meet hate with love. We must meet violence with nonviolence."
Who should read March: Book One?
March: Book One is ideal for readers interested in civil rights history, social justice, and graphic novels. It offers valuable insights for students, educators, historians, and activists, providing both inspiration and a deeper understanding of the struggle for racial equality.
March: Book One Best Reviews
- The New York Times praised 'March: Book One' as 'A riveting and powerful account of an important time in American history, brought to life with evocative illustrations and heartfelt storytelling.'
- Publishers Weekly described the book as 'An essential read for anyone interested in understanding the civil rights movement, with a particular focus on the personal experiences that fueled the fight for justice.'
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March: Book One FAQs
Is March: Book One fiction or nonfiction?
March: Book One is a nonfiction graphic novel that recounts John Lewis' experiences in the civil rights movement, written by Lewis and Andrew Aydin and illustrated by Nate Powell.
What is the theme of March: Book One?
The theme of March: Book One revolves around the struggle against segregation and the power of nonviolent protest, focusing on John Lewis' early activism and the Nashville Student Movement.