In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday I like to read books about his life and contributions during the month of January. I feel it is important to introduce his powerful words and ideas to students of all ages. Whether teaching about his role in the Civil Rights Movement or simply sharing the values of equality and justice, books about Dr. King are a great way to engage young readers. Here are 12 of my favorite MLK books that offer valuable lessons for students and are both educational and inspiring.
Be A King by Carole Boston Weatherford: Uses key moments from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life to inspire children to stand up for what is right and make the world a better place.
I Have a Dream by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Presenting key excerpts from the speech alongside vibrant paintings depicting the March on Washington and the dream of a racially harmonious America
We Dream a World by Yolanda Renee King: With inspiration from Langston Hughes and deep love for her grandparents, Yolanda King shows the world that young people are strong enough to carry on their elders’ legacy while creating a new path for themselves.
Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Kid’s Book About Advancing Civil Rights With Nonviolence by Mary Nhin: Find out what happens in this kid’s book about achieving goals with nonviolence. Sometimes, we are faced with challenges that seem insurmountable. But with grit and hard work, one can achieve great things!
Good Night Martin Luther King Jr. by Adam Gamble and Mark Jasper: An educational board book that teaches young readers about the life of Martin Luther King Jr., a leader of the American civil rights movement
I am Martin Luther King Jr. by Brad Meltzer: Biography that tells the story of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life from childhood to his role in the civil rights movement
A Place to Land by Barry Wittenstein: Focuses on the night before Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington, where he struggles to find the perfect words to end his speech.
My Daddy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Martin Luther King III: Kids will learn about the early civil rights movement, growing up as the son of a famous activist, how it feels to experience racism as a child, and what it’s like to lose a parent at a young age.
A Picture Book of Martin Luther King Jr. by David A. Adler: A brief, illustrated, biography of the Baptist minister and civil rights leader whose philosophy and practice of nonviolent civil disobedience helped American blacks win many battles for equal rights.
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