Teach your children about the importance of dreams, perseverance, and activism with these children's books about Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day lands on the third Monday in January, but I encourage you to include these books in your reading all year long. These Martin Luther King, Jr. books for kids, along with our list of children's books about the civil rights movement will teach your children about Dr. King's legacy.
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Preschool (and up)
The following Martin Luther King books for children can be read with preschoolers, but will be enjoyed and appreciated by kids (and grown-ups!) of all ages.
We March by Shane W. Evans
We March is one of my favorite book on this list. The spare text and brilliant illustrations make this a wonderful book for children as young as 3 years old. The light, first person narrative tells the story of a family getting ready to march in the historic event. Illustrations depict crowds of people from all walks of life and celebrate the excitement the event generated and the power of peaceful protest.
A Sweet Smell of Roses by Angela Johnson, illustrated by Eric Velazquez
A young girl, with her red-ribboned teddy bear, describes her experience as she and her sister slip out of their house to join a freedom march. The focus is very much on the sensory experience. They stand, "waist high" in the "bright light", "clapping in time with [their] feet." There's no mention about which march it is, but we know it takes place under Dr. King's leadership. This is another lovely book that emphases how children were an integral part in the fight for freedom and readers can pick out the plucky protagonist in the illustrations by her bear's ribbon, which matches the stripes in the flag.
MORE: Picture books by Black authors
Elementary School (and up)
Share these fantastically illustrated books about Martin Luther King, Jr with children ages 5 to 105.
I Have a Dream, speech by Martin Luther King, Jr, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Find it: Amazon
Kadir Nelson's gorgeous illustrations accompany an excerpt from Dr. King's most famous speech. The paintings cover a broad range of images–from close ups of clasped hands, to views of the national landscape, to the crowd at the Washington Monument. The hardcover book includes a CD of the official recording and the entire speech is included at the end of the book. I find it impossible to listen to the speech without weeping; it's an essential experience for everyone.
Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier
This is an excellent beginner's guide to MLK. It's informative, but not overly long as some picture book biographies can be. It gives a solid introduction to King's life and work, and is beautifully illustrated. This is a great choice for a kindergarten or first grade classroom.
Coretta Scott by Ntozake Shange, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Here is a wonderful, lyrical recounting of the civil rights leader and wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Although Shange's words remind the reader of Scott's individuality, the addition of Kadir Nelson's illustrations bring the story to life. An important addition to any classroom study of King.
MORE: Picture Book Biographies of African-American Women
A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech That Inspired a Nation by Barry Wittenstein, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Written in free verse, Wittenstein and Pinkney's gorgeous book tells the backstory of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous speech. It's a fascinating look at the behind the scenes story and helps kids understand the work that goes into creating historical moments.
As Good as Anybody: Martin Luther King, Jr., and Abraham Joshua Heschel's Amazing March toward Freedom by Richard Michelson, illustrated by Raul Colón
Find it: Amazon
King experienced racism in the American South; Heschel endured antisemitism in Poland and Germany. Heschel was able to escape the tragic fate of family by immigrating to American. Witnessing racism in America reminded Heschel of antisemitism, spurred him to join the fight for equal rights, and he and King walked alongside one another. This is an excellent addition to your reading, and teaches kids about some of the allies that Black Americans had during the civil rights movement.
MORE: Picture books about Peace and Peacemakers
Middle School (and up)
The following titles are a selection of picture books, a graphic novel and biographies. With guidance, they can also be used for upper elementary students.
Martin Rising: Requiem for a King by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney
This is a moving portrait of King told in a series of poems. Pinkney focuses on the last few months of King's life and readers will get a sense of the civil rights leader as a complex individual. I highly recommend reading the verse out loud. Includes extensive notes, timelines and sources at the end of the book.
Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968 by Alice Faye Duncan, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
In early 1968, two black sanitation workers were killed as a result of faulty machinery, leading to labor strikes. Several months later, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. came on to the scene to help, and on April 3 delivered his last notable speech, "I've Been to the Mountaintop." Duncan narrates the story through the voice of a 9-year-old girl, with the text alternating between verse and prose. Historical details and sources are included.
March On! the Day My Brother Martin Changed the World by Christine King Farris, illustrated by London Ladd
Find it: Amazon
Christine King Farris recounts her memories surrounding the March on Washington and listening to her brother's "I Have a Dream" speech. Reading Farris' narrative gives children an intimate and emotional look at the writing and delivering of King's speech. Ladd's bold illustrations reflect both the seriousness and the excitement of the time.
Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'round: My Story of the Making of Martin Luther King Day by Kathlyn J. Kirkwood,illustrated by Steffi Walthall
I've always loved verse memoirs! Kirkwood describes her journey as an activist to her push to secure Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday as a recognized, national holiday. Her story will inspire kids to pursue their own passions and fight for what is right.
March (trilogy) by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell
John Lewis, the congressman from Georgia is one of our greatest civil rights heroes. This graphic novel trilogy is Lewis' first hand account of his experiences during the civil rights movement and the "good trouble" he got up to. Lewis provides many personal details and focuses on the non-violent philosophy of the movement. Readers will be inspired to, in the words of Lewis, "When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something."
Martin and Bobby: A Journey Toward Justice by Claire Rudolf Murphy
Find it: Amazon
Murphy's fascinating double biography is told in two parts. Part one looks at the events of April 1968 and part two looks at the years 1925-1967, focusing on the events that led the two men to shape their philosophies, and their growth as leaders. Readers will come away with a richer understanding, not just of the two men, but as to how their lives were deeply interwoven with each other and 20th century events.
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