★"To create this moving erasure poem about nonviolent protest and more, Duncan works with the text of an October 1967 talk that Martin Luther King Jr. (1929–1968) gave at South Philadelphia’s Barratt Junior High—per an opening note, text shaped 'specifically for school-age children.' Beginning 'a blueprint serves as the pattern for those building a building,' straightforward lines 'suggest things that should be in your life’s blueprint,' including celebrating the self, achieving excellence, seeking justice, and believing in nonviolence. Lewis combines gouache, markers, and watercolor with tissue paper to offer images of progress—on an early page, hands are shown drafting on blueprint paper; elsewhere, a figure is depicted having reached the top of a mountain. And as lines emphasize 'MAKE A BETTER WORLD,' one image shows a figure sitting atop a tall stack of paper with some sheets crumpled nearby. It’s a work poised to offer crucial guidance on how to build a meaningful life and contribute to the world."—Publishers Weekly, starred review
★"It is essential that readers understand and appreciate the author’s process of creating an erasure poem, as described in the front matter, before proceeding through this remarkable book. Duncan explains that she condensed a 1,765-word speech of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s into a 277-word poem, distilling its message without losing its essence. King’s message in this rarely shared 1967 speech to a junior high school was about the importance of making a plan—a blueprint—for life so that you can live with intentionality and purpose, civic responsibility and dignity, self-confidence and joy... Lewis’ illustrations are bold and impressionistic, filled with an energy that underscores the words. 'MAKE A BETTER WORLD. Study . . . Burn the midnight oil. Don’t drop out of school' overlay a scene of nighttime and daytime, crumpled pages and reams of paper symbolizing the effort it takes to live a life with a blueprint... The Dream Builder’s Blueprint is a model for writing with precision and intent, and a tribute to a man who knew the power of words—by an author who clearly does as well."—Booklist, starred review
“Uplifting... inspiring reading... (with) Lewis’ evocative images... pithy, rousing, and never more cogent.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Listening to the words of Dr. King that day at Barratt Junior High is something I will never forget. I still have a vivid picture of him that will NEVER be erased. His words were an inspiration to me and my classmates.”—Kevin Washington, former National President and CEO of the YMCA and Barrett 8th Grade Class of 1967
“The Dream Builder’s Blueprint is a loving road map to hope for young people in troubling times. In found poetry drawn from Dr. King’s speech during a Philadelphia junior high school visit in 1967, the book joyfully uplifts his message of peace and purpose for a new generation.”—Yolanda Wisher, Philadelphia Poet Laureate, 2016–2017
