Duncan, Alice Faye. Coretta’s Journey: The Life and Times of Coretta Scott King. Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. New York: Calkins Press, 2023.

Guide to categories: Kid Review – review of books for elementary-aged and younger children

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Summary

From the award-winning author/illustrator team behind Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop

Who was Coretta Scott King? Her black-veiled image at the funeral of her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was moving and iconic. This book introduces readers to the woman behind the veil—a girl full of spunk and pluck, bravery and grit.

“Corrie, you are a brave soldier. I don’t know what I would do without you.” —Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Much more than just a wife, Coretta Scott King was Martin’s partner in the fight for justice. It wasn’t always easy. From an early age, she stood strong against white violence toward her family in the South, and against discrimination as a music student in the North. Coretta found her voice as a classical singer, but she struggled mightily to speak out as an activist in the face of men who thought she should be seen and not heard. But she never wavered. When Martin died, it was Coretta who carried on the struggle, and preserved his legacy so that his voice would be heard by future generations. This important story, told in poetry and prose, is a riveting introduction to an important and instrumental figure in the history of activism and civil rights.

My Kid Review

Duncan chose both prose and poetry to tell the story of Coretta Scott King. R. Gregory Christie used an impressionistic style to illustrate the text. The illustrations complement the text well. 

I was disappointed in the phrases in the narrative that are contrary to the deep religious beliefs of her parents. Phrases like “Coretta’s parents obeyed the cosmic pull.” Parts of the universe are pulled into almost every narrative telling her life story, almost playing down the religious influence in her life. It is obvious to me that Duncan does not understand deeply held Christian beliefs, which my research shows the Scotts held. She chose to place more importance on the cosmic universe than on the Christian beliefs of Coretta, Dr. Martin, and the Scotts. 

Because of this, I cannot recommend Coretta’s Journey for a K-12 Christian school library.

I received a complimentary copy of Coretta’s Journey. This is my honest review.