As Good As Anybody by Richard Michelson

This inspiring storybook, As Good as Anybody is not only a lesson in civil rights history, but also a story of friendship and perseverance.  The book has vibrant, life-like illustrations by Raul Colon, to show readers the scene and life of the characters. This is a picture book, appropriate for readers in elementary school. The book is very readable but also tells an important non-fiction story. One of the first things that will draw you into this story is the main character, Martin, is a young boy, possibly the same age as many of the readers. This young boy is unhappy because of the way he and his family and friends are treated in the community.  He is not the only one who feels this way; the story takes you through the years and events of his life, and his presence in the Civil Rights Movement.

The story then introduces another character: Abraham. Abraham is a young Jewish boy in Poland, when he grows up he feels the sam unhappiness as Martin. He is treated differently in the community, in Germany they are becoming more and more intolerant of his Jewish friends and family. Because of the war, he decides to leave Europe and go to America, where he can live in a place free of prejudice. Unfortunately, when he arrives he sees the struggles of the black community in the United States. He meets Martin and becomes friends with him. Together they spread the message of equality and justice for all races of people. They marched together and stood up for what they believe in--the right to be themselves and be treated with respect.

This is a powerful story to share with children to teach them about the struggles and triumphs of people in America. It can foster and understanding of racism and prejudice, and why we should treat people equally no matter their culture or race. Because the US is a very multi-cultural society, this is an important message to share with people young and old.

-Jana Kania, ERDL 524