Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.

In January, we will all take a day to honor the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. However, is a day really enough time to honor his work and legacy? I don’t think so! I know how challenging it can be to fit everything in, but it is important to make time. Here are some books and resources you can share with your students about Dr. King.

You can click on any of the covers below to learn more about each book or find all of these books about MLK. on my Amazon page.

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BOOKS ABOUT DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport

This picture-book biography is an excellent and accessible introduction for young readers to learn about one of the world’s most influential leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

My First Biography: Martin Luther King, Jr. by Marion Dane Bauer

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a great man. His words changed the way people thought, and his actions spurred them on to change the world. This book introduces Dr. King to the youngest readers and inspires them to change the world.

National Geographic Kids: Martin Luther King, Jr. by Kitson Jazynka

Readers will learn about the fascinating life and legacy civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I am Martin Luther King, Jr. by Brad Meltzer

Even as a child, Martin Luther King, Jr. was shocked by the terrible and unfair way African-American people were treated. When he grew up, he decided to do something about it—peacefully, with powerful words. He helped gather people together for nonviolent protests and marches, and he always spoke up about loving other human beings and doing what’s right. He spoke about the dream of a kinder future, and bravely led the way toward racial equality in America.

A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr. by David A. Adler

This books shares how Dr. King’s interest in equality was sparked by experiences in his childhood, and how his legacy shaped modern America.

I have a Dream by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King: “My father’s dream continues to live on from generation to generation, and this beautiful and powerful illustrated edition of his world-changing “I Have a Dream” speech brings his inspiring message of freedom, equality, and peace to the youngest among us—those who will one day carry his dream forward for everyone.”

My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

What was it like growing up as a son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? This picture book memoir provides insight into one of history’s most fascinating families and into a special bond between father and son.

The Cart That Carried Martin by Eve Bunting

This story focuses on the funeral procession of Dr. King, beginning with the two men who found the cart to carry him through the streets of Atlanta. After painting it green, two mules named Belle and Ada are hitched to the cart where Dr. King’s coffin is placed. Tens of thousands of mourners gather as the cart makes its way to Ebenezer Baptist Church, and then past the Georgia state capitol to Morehouse College. All the while, crowds of people pay their respects by singing songs of hope.

Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Dream and You by Carole Boston Weatherford

See a class of young students as they begin a school project inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and learn to follow his example, as he dealt with adversity and never lost hope that a future of equality and justice would soon be a reality. As times change, Dr. King’s example remains, encouraging a new generation of children to take charge and change the world . . . to be a King.

Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson

In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their civil rights after hearing Dr. King speak. They protested the laws that kept black people separate from white people. Facing fear, hate, and danger, these children used their voices to change the world.

A Place to Land: Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Speech That Inspired a Nation by Barry Wittenstein

Martin was once asked if the hardest part of preaching was knowing where to begin. No, he said. The hardest part is knowing where to end. “It’s terrible to be circling up there without a place to land.” Finding this place to land was what Dr. King struggled with, alongside advisors and fellow speech writers, in the Willard Hotel the night before the March on Washington, where he gave his historic “I Have a Dream” speech. But those famous words were never intended to be heard on that day, not even written down for that day, not even once.

Martin Luther King, Jr. and the March on Washington by Frances E. Ruffin

On August 28, 1963, more than 250,000 people came to the nation’s capital. They came by plane, by bus, by car–even on roller-skates–to speak out against segregation and to demand equal rights for everyone. They also came to hear the words of a very special leader. This book captures the spirit of this landmark day in American history and brings Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech to vivid life for young children.

While it isn’t a book about Dr. King, you can also revisit The Crayon Box That Talked by Shane DeRolf. This book is great for making connections about how powerful words can be and the message behind both Martin’s dream and DeRolf’s text.

MLK CLASSROOM RESOURCES

As I mentioned earlier, the National Geographic Kids text is great for second and third grade students. I have put together a pack of materials to pair with this text. This includes graphic organizers, comprehension questions, vocabulary cards, and several other pages. You can find this nonfiction book companion here.

Martin Luther King, Jr. is a nonfiction text in the National Geographic Kids series. I have put together a pack of resources to pair with this story. This resource includes comprehension questions, vocabulary cards, graphic organizers, and other pages to learn more about the life and work of Dr. King.

One idea is to have students write about a dream they have for the future. Then add a 4×6 photo of the student to the page. You can grab this freebie here.

You could also take student photos and add a speech bubble caption with each child’s dream on it. Educlips has some adorable speech bubbles that would be perfect for this project. You can grab those here:

Since January lends itself to creating resolutions or goals with your students, I thought it would be a great idea to connect resolutions with Martin’s dream and have each student come up with a dream or goal they have.

If you want to put your students dreams on display, you could try this mobile from Scholastic. There is a free printable on their site. Just click on the picture: