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.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
...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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Flashlight Worthy
Recommending books so good, they'll keep you up past your bedtime.
more...
About Leah Smith
Leah lives near Washington D.C. and is an obsessive list maker. She loves lists so much that she creates topical bibliographies -- for fun. She also collects volvelles, nutcrackers, unusual names and map hankies. She talks about books and many other things on her blog, Fig Newtons and Scotch.
Stay in Touch
Newest book lists
President Obama's Favorite Books of 2017
Books for an Adventurous Childhood
Visiting Venice Through (Mostly) Fiction
Childhood Remembered: Books Of Indelible Childhood Memories
Novels on Art, Artists and Art World Shenanigans
Picture Books with Fun (and Sometimes Friendly) Monsters
Robert Rodi’s Favorite Books About Italy
Fractured Novels that Mirror the Uncertainty of Everyday Life
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.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
...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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Flashlight Worthy
Recommending books so good, they'll keep you up past your bedtime.
more...
About Leah Smith
Leah lives near Washington D.C. and is an obsessive list maker. She loves lists so much that she creates topical bibliographies -- for fun. She also collects volvelles, nutcrackers, unusual names and map hankies. She talks about books and many other things on her blog, Fig Newtons and Scotch.
Stay in Touch
Newest book lists
President Obama's Favorite Books of 2017
Books for an Adventurous Childhood
Visiting Venice Through (Mostly) Fiction
Childhood Remembered: Books Of Indelible Childhood Memories
Novels on Art, Artists and Art World Shenanigans
Picture Books with Fun (and Sometimes Friendly) Monsters
Robert Rodi’s Favorite Books About Italy
Fractured Novels that Mirror the Uncertainty of Everyday Life
Children's Books about Martin Luther King, Jr.
a book list by Leah Smith, librarian and avid reader
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.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
...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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Flashlight Worthy
Recommending books so good, they'll keep you up past your bedtime. more...
About Leah Smith
Leah lives near Washington D.C. and is an obsessive list maker. She loves lists so much that she creates topical bibliographies -- for fun. She also collects volvelles, nutcrackers, unusual names and map hankies. She talks about books and many other things on her blog, Fig Newtons and Scotch.
Stay in Touch
Newest book lists
President Obama's Favorite Books of 2017
Books for an Adventurous Childhood
Visiting Venice Through (Mostly) Fiction
Childhood Remembered: Books Of Indelible Childhood Memories
Novels on Art, Artists and Art World Shenanigans
Picture Books with Fun (and Sometimes Friendly) Monsters
Robert Rodi’s Favorite Books About Italy
Fractured Novels that Mirror the Uncertainty of Everyday Life