March, Book One, by Congressman John Lewis, is the first of three graphic novels in a trilogy about the U.S. civil rights movement. Book One describes Lewis’ childhood in rural Alabama, his inspirational meeting with Martin Luther King, Jr., the birth of the Nashville Student Movement, and the fight to dismantle segregation through nonviolent lunch counter sit-ins.
March, Book One was the recipient of the Coretta Scott King Book Award and the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award. In 2016, the third volume of the March trilogy became the first graphic novel to receive the National Book Award.
March recounts some of the most significant events in recent U.S. history, and tells the story of
John Lewis, an icon of the civil rights movement. It’s a way for today’s young people to learn more about
the activism that led to increased equity and awareness in our country today. In this interview, Lewis talks
about his reasons for writing March, and what he hopes its impact will be.
John Lewis was born in 1940 and grew up in rural Alabama where he experienced firsthand the effects of racial segregation. Inspired by a radio address by Martin Luther King Jr., Lewis got involved in the Civil Rights Movement, and ultimately became known as one of the “Big Six” Civil Rights activists. Lewis was a Freedom Rider, spoke at 1963's March on Washington and led the 1965 demonstration that became known as "Bloody Sunday." He was elected to Congress in 1986 and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.
Can I keep my book?
Can I write in my book?
Will this affect my grade?
I am confused about an assignment or the book itself. Where can I ask questions?
What if I have lost my copy of the March?
Want to learn more about the events mentioned in the book? Check out these links!