The Dream Builder’s Blueprint
Dr. King's Message to Young People
Format:
Available from:
Published by Calkins Creek (2026-01-06)
A riveting found poem for kids based on Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Street Sweeper” speech.
Dr. King's words are creatively interpreted in this nonfiction picture book written by acclaimed author Alice Faye Duncan, accompanied by gorgeous artwork by E. B. Lewis.
In a speech delivered in 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. provided his young audience with life lessons:
Today, award-winning author Alice Faye Duncan reinterprets King’s speech as a motivational erasure poem in The Dream Builder’s Blueprint, accompanied by spirited and inspired art by Philadelphia-born illustrator E. B. Lewis. Highlighting principles of excellence, activism, and compassion that remain relevant and necessary today, this book has a universal message that’s ideal for parents, librarians, and teachers looking for a book that distills Dr. King, principles to a level that kids can understand.
Included in the book is the full text of Dr. King's speech “What is your life’s blueprint?” (also known as the “Street Sweeper” speech), and an author’s note that explains found poetry forms like the erasure poem and provides background information on Dr. King’s inspiring speech at Philadelphia’s Barratt Junior High School.
Dr. King's words are creatively interpreted in this nonfiction picture book written by acclaimed author Alice Faye Duncan, accompanied by gorgeous artwork by E. B. Lewis.
In a speech delivered in 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. provided his young audience with life lessons:
- You count.
- Black is beautiful.
- Achieve excellence.
- Make a better world.
- Believe in nonviolence.
- Keep going!
Today, award-winning author Alice Faye Duncan reinterprets King’s speech as a motivational erasure poem in The Dream Builder’s Blueprint, accompanied by spirited and inspired art by Philadelphia-born illustrator E. B. Lewis. Highlighting principles of excellence, activism, and compassion that remain relevant and necessary today, this book has a universal message that’s ideal for parents, librarians, and teachers looking for a book that distills Dr. King, principles to a level that kids can understand.
Included in the book is the full text of Dr. King's speech “What is your life’s blueprint?” (also known as the “Street Sweeper” speech), and an author’s note that explains found poetry forms like the erasure poem and provides background information on Dr. King’s inspiring speech at Philadelphia’s Barratt Junior High School.
Book Details
Format:
Hardcover
Price:
25.99 CAD / 19.99 USD
Published: 2026-01-06
ISBN: 9781662680311
Imprint:
Calkins Creek
Page Count: 32
Trim Size: 8-1/2 x 11
Grades:
Grades 2-5
Ages:
7-10 years