John Lewis: Courage in Action by Matt Doeden
Published by Lerner Publications on January 1st 2018
ISBN: 1541512383
Pages: 48
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads

Beginning with a gripping scene of racially motivated violence as a member of The Freedom Riders, John Lewis:  Courage in Action masterfully grabs the reader’s attention with Lewis’ acts of bravery and determination.  Lewis, the son of sharecroppers, was extremely bright and impassioned at a young age to fight for civil rights.  In his early twenties he had already worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy and was making a name for himself as a leader.  Organizing peaceful protests gave Lewis the desire to see change affected at the government level. Serving on the City Council in Atlanta was a springboard to later securing a seat in the US Congress where he still tirelessly fights against injustice.  Black and white, and color photos add interest to every page. The text is well chosen for high readability and both reluctant and avid readers will find this biography interesting and engaging. A timeline of Lewis’ major life events follows the text, as well as suggestions for further reading.  A fitting and timely biography for all upper elementary and middle school libraries.

Reviewed by Suzanne Dix, Westbrook Middle School, Westbrook