This book is recommended for primary students. This book depicts the life of Philip Freelon; who is an architect that was inspired by MLK's dream. In my future classroom, I would use this book to show the long-lasting effect somebody can have on another person's life and the good that can come from it. ( )

Goodreads Review:
Philip Freelon's grandfather was an acclaimed painter of the Harlem Renaissance. His father was a successful businessman who attended the 1963 March on Washington. When Phil decided to attend architecture school, he created his own focus on African American and Islamic designers. He later chose not to build casinos or prisons, instead concentrating on schools, libraries, and museums--buildings that connect people with heritage and fill hearts with joy. And in 2009, Phil's team won a commission that let him use his personal history in service to the country's: the extraordinary Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon celebrates a contemporary black STEAM role model, a man whose quiet work enabled the creation of an iconic building reflecting America's past and future. With a stirring text by Kelly Starling Lyons, vibrant pictures by Laura Freeman, and an afterword from Philip Freelon himself, it is sure to inspire the next generation of dreamers and builders.

Philip Freelon, the acclaimed African American architect, struggled with reading as a child. But while words gave him trouble, he excelled at art, math, and science. He could see images in his mind, and build them. He decided to become an architect, which would take advantage of his creativity and skill set.

He also wanted to help make the world better through his projects. To that end, he decided he would not design prisons or casinos, but schools, libraries, bus stations, and museums. He felt compelled, as he wrote himself in an Afterword, to contribute in some way to the struggle for social justice.

His commitment ultimately led to being selected as Architect of Record for the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C.

Opening in 2016, the NMAAHC is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. To date, the Museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts. (You can explore the museum online here.)

The author was at NMAAHC on its opening day, and reports on being “moved and amazed,” and eager to write a book about the architect. She was able to interview him and his family, and learn about the “young artist who found his calling and used it to honor Black contributions and culture.” Sadly, he died in 2019 from ALS, but as Lyons notes, his legacy lives in on the stunning museums and spaces he designed.

The book concludes with a bibliography.

Prolific illustrator Laura Freeman uses bold colors to display the obviously well-researched sociocultural context of the time portrayed. Her artwork is clean-lined, yet remarkably expressive; she ably depicts the dreams of a young boy as well as the output of a professional adult. Freeman includes many historical touches that will make it fun for adults to peruse as well as the recommended reading audience of ages 5 and up.

Evaluation: Kids who are discouraged by difficulties in school will find Philip Freelon’s story so inspiring, and will hopefully encourage them to look for ways to express their talents and dreams. ( )