I'm not sure which part of my reading challenge these three books fall under: they are a memoir, which fits and they are a graphic novel which fits, and they are written from a POC's perspective...also fitting. No matter how I choose to classify the books, they are supremely interesting and thought provoking. I came upon these books attending a conference and learned that several colleges had used March Book Three as their freshman text. My interest was piqued but I still needed further convincing. Then I watched Dave Letterman's new Netflix show, "My Next Guest Needs No Introduction" in which the inaugural show featured former President Barrack Obama. Interspersed throughout the interview is a field segment with John Lewis. At the end of the show Dave Letterman mentions the regret he felt about not participating more in the Civil Rights movement. he lamented his failure to act, if you haven't watched it, I recommend it.
Dave's sentiment is something I feel too. I am way to young to have lived through the Civil Rights era but I often wonder about my own moral compass: Would I Act, Would I be Just, or Would I be Complicit? I think hindsight is twenty-twenty and it's obvious to say, of course I would help on the underground railroad, or I would hide a jew, or in this case of March...of course I'd march. But...I also know that I hate conflict. My natural inclination is to smile through, do the right thing and keep to myself. It's something I am working on. Anyway I digress back to the books.
I wish students were taught with this platform. How awesomely effective is this text. We think of history as unconnected events that occur an isolation instead of an interconnected tapestry in which one event leads to another. This book shows how bad things truly were, and how without such bravery in the face of opposition we would never have made progress as a nation. I can't think of a more timely text for students to read than this...given everything that is happening in our country. The book is a quick read...but powerful. The comic intertwines the true text of multiple historical documents and speeches, with vivid black and white images. There are panels that will stick with you...there are messages that stick with you. A good book, should make you stop and reflect and maybe just maybe act. Reading should change you, Reading should grow you, Reading is powerful. These graphic novels are good reading.
