A Time to Act: John F. Kennedy's Big Speech

Corey (The Secret Subway) and Christie (Freedom in Congo Square) celebrate the birthday centenary of John F. Kennedy with an engaging picture book biography primarily focused on the former president's evolution on the topic of civil rights. A conversational narrative starts out speaking directly to readers: "The people who make history aren't just famous leaders.... They're real people, just like you. Sometimes they are you." After spreads detailing Kennedy's childhood, military service, and early political career, the story turns to civil rights and the president's initial hesitancy to advocate for meaningful reform. Corey adeptly contextualizes Kennedy's eventual arrival at action, amid protests and desegregation attempts, and his historic antidiscrimination speech that set the stage for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Christie's expressive paintings veer toward the abstract, with skewed proportions and bold brushstrokes, yet the realism of the faces stands out. An empowering conclusion ("And so now it's your turn... to speak up, to act... to make history") is followed by an author's note, bibliography, source notes, and brief vignettes about other notable figures who appear in the story. Ages 8-up. Author's agent: Tracey Adams, Adams Literary. (Apr.)

Gr 3-5--On June 11, 1963, President John F. Kennedy gave an eloquent speech in which he made a plea for civil rights for African Americans. He was lauded for his blunt but sincere appeal to ensure equality for all Americans. Corey begins with biographical information on Kennedy, including his wealthy upbringing in an influential family, his illnesses as a child, his run for Congress, and his eventual election to the presidency. The text then segues into the struggle of African Americans to achieve civil rights, detailing the arduous work of sit-ins, marches, and Freedom Rides. Finally, the story returns to Kennedy's 1963 speech to Congress. Though mostly adulatory in tone, the book points out that Kennedy was, for political reasons, hesitant to take action, thus providing a contrast between the man who wrote Profiles in Courage and the politician in the White House. Christie's impressionistic illustrations are poignant and enhance the straightforward narrative. Back matter includes a section that identifies notable figures featured in the artwork and offers additional background on them. VERDICT Though there are numerous biographies on Kennedy for this audience, few focus solely on his role in civil rights, making this work a dynamic addition for U.S. history collections.--Margaret Nunes, Gwinnett County Public Library, GA