We have compiled a list of our Top Children’s Books for Celebrating MLK Day for you to enjoy. These picture books and graphic novels will assist kids in having thoughtful conversations about how to keep the powerful legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. alive by taking action.
• Top Children’s Books for Celebrating MLK Day•
Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round:
My Story of the Making of Martin Luther King Day
This brilliant memoir-in-verse tells the moving story of how a nation learned to celebrate a hero. Through years of protests and petition, Kathlyn’s story highlights the foot soldiers who fought to make Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a national holiday.
Ain‘t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round is a deeply moving middle grade memoir about what it means to be an everyday activist and foot solider for racial justice, as Kathlyn recounts how, drawn to activism from childhood, she went from attending protests as a teenager to fighting for Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday to become a national holiday as an adult. A blueprint for kids starting down their own paths to civic awareness, it shows life beyond protests and details the sustained time, passion, and energy it takes to turn an idea into a law.
Deftly weaving together monumental historical events with a heartfelt coming-of-age story and in-depth information on law making, Ain‘t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round is the perfect engaging example of how history can help inform the present.
Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round: My Story of the Making of Martin Luther King Day
Written by Kathlyn J Kirkwoodand Illustrated by Steffi Walthall
Published by Versify Books
The Story of Martin Luther King Jr.: A Biography Book for New Readers
Discover the life of Martin Luther King Jr–a story for kids ages 6 to 9 about standing up for civil rights
Martin Luther King Jr became one of the most important civil rights leaders in America by fighting for equality for black people. Before he made history with his powerful speeches and peaceful protests, Martin was a dedicated, smart kid who loved to learn. He challenged racism and overcame hardships to follow his passion and do the right thing.
Of all the Martin Luther King Jr books for kids, this one really helps you explore how Martin went from being a kid with a dream to an outstanding leader who made America a better place for everyone. How will his life inspire you to do what’s right?
All Martin Luther King Jr books for kids should include:
- Path to power–Unlike other Martin Luther King Jr books for kids, this one has a visual timeline so you can see Martin’s progress through life.
- Word definitions–This standout among Martin Luther King Jr books for kids has a helpful glossary for the more advanced words and ideas inside.
- Lasting change–Everything that Martin Luther King Jr books for kids should be, this book explains how Martin made the world a better place for future generations.
If you’ve been searching for Martin Luther King Jr books for kids that have beautiful illustrations and easy-to-read chapters, look no further–this one has it all!
The Story of Martin Luther King Jr.: A Biography Book for New Readers
Written by Christine Platt
Published by Rockridge Press
Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Kid’s Book About Advancing Civil Rights With Nonviolence (Mini Movers and Shakers)
Martin Luther King, Jr. envisioned a United States that was void of segregation and racism. He delivered his vision in the “I Have a Dream” speech.
In the new Mini Movers and Shakers children’s book series comes a cast of characters who have failed, yet succeeded despite overwhelming obstacles. 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!
Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Kid’s Book About Advancing Civil Rights With Nonviolence (Mini Movers and Shakers)
Written by Mary Nhin and Illustrated by Yuliia Zolotova
Published by Grow Grit Press LLC
Great Lives in Graphics: Martin Luther King
Using colorful infographics, this book presents over 250 facts about Martin Luther King Jr, a minister who campaigned for the rights of African Americans during America’s Civil Rights Movement.
This graphic retelling of his story gives children a visual snapshot of his life and the world he grew up in, while educating them on everything from civil rights to the power of words. It includes an overview of his life, a timeline spread, a family outline, and a geographical summary of important places. It also features ‘Did You Know’ facts and inspiring quotes. For children aged 8+.
Great Lives in Graphics: Martin Luther King
Published by Button Books
A Place to Land:
Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech That Inspired a Nation
As a new generation of activists demands an end to racism, A Place to Land reflects on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech and the movement that it galvanized.
Much has been written about Martin Luther King, Jr. and the 1963 March on Washington. But there’s little on his legendary speech and how he came to write it.
Martin Luther King, Jr. 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 Martin Luther King, Jr. 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.
Barry Wittenstein teams up with legendary illustrator Jerry Pinkney to tell the story of how, against all odds, Martin found his place to land.
Written by Barry Wittenstein and Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Published by Holiday House
Bethany Edwards is an elementary educator as well as a reading and literacy
specialist. On Biracial Bookworms, she focuses on multiracial and multicultural resources for teaching literacy skills using reading, travel, and learning multiple languages. Additionally, she offers online and self-paced courses for parents and caregivers on Biracial Bookworms Academy.
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