“In 1956, when you were only 16 years old, you and some of your brothers and sisters and first cousins went down to the public library, trying to get library cards, trying to check out some books. And you were told by the librarian that the library was for Whites only, not for Coloreds,” he says in the video. But, he continues, whenever you see something that is not right and not fair, “you have a moral obligation to continue to speak up, to speak out.”
—Congressman John Lewis Couldn’t Get a Library Card in 1956. It Changed Everything
Representative John Lewis—political activist, key leader of the Civil Rights Movement, long-serving member of the House of Representatives, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Honor—died on July 17.
He was also the author of the award-winning March trilogy of graphic novels, a vivid first-hand account of Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation. Rooted in his personal story, it also reflects on the highs and lows of the broader civil rights movement.
“[March was] eventually awarded Eisner Awards for nonfiction in 2016 (March: Book Two) and in 2017 (March: Book Three), and March: Book Three was awarded the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature in 2016, making it the first comics arts work to ever receive a National Book Award. The book was wildly popular and became a bestseller across all its volumes—the book is also issued in a combined March trilogy box set—and has gone on to sell millions of copies.” (Publishers Weekly)
In recognition of Lewis’ accomplishments and inspiring life story, we’re honored that these important graphic novels are available in ComicsPlus for unlimited, simultaneous checkouts. Librarians and educators can recommend them to their students and patrons with no concerns about breaking their materials budget.
We’ve also curated some useful teaching resources that will help ensure your readers get the most out these important books.
- March Book One: Reading and Teaching Guide | Ages 13 – 18
- March Book Two: Reading and Teaching Guide | Ages 13 – 18
- Teaching with March (Pop Culture Classroom)
- Additional resources (Top Shelf Comix)
To learn how your students and/or patrons can have unlimited, simultaneous access the ComicsPlus for Libraries collection, visit ComicsPlusApp.com to learn more and get access to a free demo account.
We curate high-interest, immersive digital content that helps schools and libraries expand and diversify their collections—without breaking their materials budgets.
