In many ways the March Book One is the stronger of the two books, but book two of the March series has more details, more historical events people might have heard of and these events seem to take less time between them. Perhaps this is just due to Lewis moving more quickly through his writing of the story. But there is much going on and you need to pay attention. History unfolds in front of your eyes in ways that seem unimaginable but also, being seen again in many ways.
Again, the jumps between then and 2009 is still awkward. This is partly due to the total busy nature of the black and white illustrations and the lack of natural pauses within the text. One clue that change has been made, the inauguration of President Obama is more white background. But still the illustrations of Nate Powell fill the pages up. The details of the moment (regardless of the year) just explode. The other clue a change has been made, the date in the 1960’s is placed in the corner (usually) of the page.
The events that lead up to the March on Washington come to life with the historic people, places, speeches and even the children protesters. Protesters that had fire hoses turned on them and dogs set upon them. And later, arrested, like the adults.
This time, the cliffhanger ending was a real kick in the stomach. Book one had an open ending but felt more finished. This time we end on the bombing of a church. And with each volume of the series larger than the last, who knows what will be covered in book three.