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Children's Books about Martin Luther King, Jr.

a book list by Leah Smith, librarian and avid reader

shelved under Children's Books

The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Junior was a complex man who led an inspirational life. The books below can help you share his beliefs and actions with your chidren.

(Note the grade levels assigned to each book come from Amazon. Mileage may vary.)

Dear Dr. King: Letters from Today's Children to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.<br>(Grades 3 & 4)

Dear Dr. King: Letters from Today's Children to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
(Grades 3 & 4)

by Jan Colbert

This book is a compilation of letters written by Memphis school children. Some of these letters really pull at the heartstrings, while others are very cute and funny. The mix of photographs of the young letter writers superimposed on photographs from the 60's civil rights movement is a really clever idea. I can't help but think Dr. King would have loved receiving and reading these wonderful letters. The book, as well as some of the children reading their letters, were featured on Oprah Winfrey's show.

You should click here for more on this book

 
 
Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King Jr.<br>(Grades 2 & 3)

Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King Jr.
(Grades 2 & 3)

by Jean Marzollo, illustrated by J. Pinkney

A gentle story beautifully illustrated in a "scratchboard" style that tells the life and philosophy of Dr. King.

You should click here for more on this book

 
 
I Have A Dream: The Story Of Martin Luther King<br>(Grades 3 & 4)

I Have A Dream: The Story Of Martin Luther King
(Grades 3 & 4)

by Margaret Davidson

A nice children's biography on Dr. King filled with black and white photographs.

You should click here for more on this book

 
 
M.L.K.: The Journey of a King<br>(Grades 4 to 6)

M.L.K.: The Journey of a King
(Grades 4 to 6)

by Tonya Bolden, edited by Bob Adelman

A very nicely designed profile of Dr. King, filled with excellent photographs, quotes and dates.

You should click here for more on this book

 
 
...If You Lived at the Time of Martin Luther King<br>(Grades 3 & 4)

...If You Lived at the Time of Martin Luther King
(Grades 3 & 4)

by Ellen Levine, illustrated by Beth Peck

I really like the question and answer format this book employs to educate children about Dr. King. It's a really great way to learn.

You should click here for more on this book

 
 
My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.<br>(Grades 2 to 4)

My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
(Grades 2 to 4)

by Christine King Farris, illustrated by Chris Soentpiet

A wonderful memoir by Dr. King's sister Christine. She recounts stories from their childhood and how Dr. King was deeply influenced by their father.

You should click here for more on this book

 
 
My Dream of Martin Luther King<br>(Grades 1 & 2)

My Dream of Martin Luther King
(Grades 1 & 2)

illustrated by Faith Ringgold

This is a beautiful book that illustrates Dr. King's life. Ringgold's gorgeous folk-art style illustrations provide a wonderful backdrop to her engaging text.

You should click here for more on this book

 
 
What Is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day?<br>(Grades 2 & 3)

What Is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day?
(Grades 2 & 3)

by Margaret Friskey

This is a very cute picture book that explains who Martin Luther King Jr. was, and why we celebrate his birthday.

You should click here for more on this book

 
 
As Good as Anybody: Martin Luther King and Abraham Joshua Heschel's Amazing March Toward Freedom<br>(Grades 2 & 3)

As Good as Anybody: Martin Luther King and Abraham Joshua Heschel's Amazing March Toward Freedom
(Grades 2 & 3)

by Richard Michelson, illustrated by Raul Colon

You should click here for more on this book

 

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