MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE (hardcover)

MY THOUGHTS ABOUT “More Than Anything Else”:

I was fortunate that my editor, Richard Jackson gave me an opportunity to illustrate this story. I had long admired the passion and drive of Booker T. Washington. When I first read the story I was struck by the poetic writing style of Marie Bradby. It is told with such honor and integrity. Marie and I finally met for the first time at the International Reading Association’s conference where we both received an IRA Book Award for our contribution to this book. – Chris Soentpiet

 

WORDS FROM THE AUTHOR, MARIE BRADBY:

“I wrote More Than Anything Else for my son, then five years old, who was beginning to learn to read. It was a wonderful time, watching and helping him learn. Reading is one of the most important skills that a person can learn, especially in this age of communication. So I wanted to celebrate my son’s literacy–this very important time in his life.” – Marie Bradby

 

BOOK REVIEWS:

“Soentpiet’s beautiful watercolor paintings show individual portraits lit up front the surrounding darkness. Booker dreams of light of literacy and the freedom it will bring. The story will hold kids and make them want to find out more about the person and the history.”
– BookList

 

“An evocative text and dramatic watercolor provide a stirring, fictionalized account of the early life of Booker T. Washington.”
– Horn Book

 

AWARDS

International Reading Association (IRA) Children’s Book Award 1996

International Reading Association (IRA) Teachers’ Choice 1996

Chicago Tribune Top 10 Children Books 1996

American Library Association (ALA) Notable Book 1996

Black History Top 25 Pick for Youth 1996

IRA Notable Books for a Global Society Award 1996

American Bookseller Pick of the List 1996

Book Links Salutes a Few Good Books

School Library Journal, Starred Review

International Reading Award (IRA) Notable Book 1996