A local dj, who was a history buff, and who talked about his chance meeting with Bayard Rustin, made me first aware of this behind-the-scenes nonviolence, civil rights activist as more than a background character. This excellent biography stresses his nonviolence beliefs, as a admirer of Gandhi. It also points out the values instilled and support given by his grandparents (who raised him). Rustin's role as one of the architects of the 1963 March on Washington, is the emphasis of this work.
Larry Dane Brimer's name on a nonfiction title for young people brings an added level of authority to any nonfiction title. This is no exception. His author's note adds some facts left out of the narrative. It also cites his resources, which in turn shows the depth of research he undertook. ( )

Captures a story of passion, courage, and triumph through Bayard's own words and archival photographs, and through spirituals and protest songs that Bayard often sang. 4.5 stars. ( )