March: Book 1 by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin illustrated by Nate Powell

John Lewis grew up trying to save the souls of the chickens on his family’s farm in Pike County, Alabama. He ended up on Capitol Hill.  March: Book 1 tells the story of his journey from boy preacher to renowned civil rights activist in vignettes as he entertains two young boys and their mother in his office on the morning of President Obama’s inauguration.  The book is solidly rooted in Mr. Lewis’ lived experience - from his first trip up north in 1951, to his first meeting with Dr. King, to his introduction to nonviolence and the fight to desegregate Nashville’s lunch counters.  Illustrated in arresting black and white, March: Book 1 is an engaging and edifying read.  The conversational tone make it accessible, even to those with little experience reading graphic novels, though the content and vocabulary recommend it to fluent readers. --Regan Schwartz

A teacher's guide is available from the publisher here.

Lewis, John and Andrew Aydin.  March: Book 1. Marietta, GA: Top Shelf Productions. 2013.