7 Books About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for Kids

Hello again! I’ve compiled a list of 7 books about Dr Martin Luther King Jr for kids. I hope these books will help you to have rich and engaging conversations with your students. Your students will learn about the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In addition, they will be a great addition to your classroom library during your Black history unit. These books contain everything your students will need to know about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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These books about Dr Martin Luther King Jr for kids for kids are not listed in any particular order. All of them can be found on Amazon. I have also included YouTube links where you can preview the book as well! All book information was taken from Amazon.

7 Books About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for Kids

1. Coretta Scott

Multiple starred reviews greeted this amazing collaboration between Ntozake Shange and Kadir Nelson. As Booklist put it: “Poet and painter have joined forces to offer an indelible, emotional expression of the strength, beauty, and joy of one woman’s character.” Celebrated poet and playwright Ntozake Shange captures the spirit of Civil Rights pioneer Coretta Scott King in this picture book biography gorgeously illustrated by Caldecott Medal artist Kadir Nelson. Walking many miles to school in the dusty road, young Coretta Scott knew the unfairness of life in the segregated south. A yearning for equality bean to grow.

2. Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and his strong voice and powerful message were joined and lifted in song by world-renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. It was a moment that changed the course of history and is imprinted in minds forever. Told through Andrea Davis Pinkney’s poetic prose and Brian Pinkney’s evocative illustration, the stories of these two powerful voices and lives are told side-by-side — as they would one day walk — following the journey from their youth to a culmination at this historical event when they united as one and inspiring kids to find their own voices and speak up for what is right.

3. Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This picture book biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. brings his life and the profound nature of his message to young children through his own words. Martin Luther King, Jr., was one of the most influential and gifted speakers of all time. Doreen Rappaport uses quotes from some of his most beloved speeches to tell the story of his life and his work in a simple, direct way. Bryan Collier’s stunning collage art combines remarkable watercolor paintings with vibrant patterns and textures. A timeline and a list of additional books and web sites help make this a standout biography of Dr. King.

4. 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, My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King III, provides insight into one of history’s most fascinating families and into a special bond between father and son. Martin Luther King III was one of those four little children mentioned in Martin Luther King’s groundbreaking “I Have a Dream” speech. In this memoir, Martin Luther King Jr.’s son gives an intimate look at the man and the father behind the civil rights leader. Mr. King’s remembrances show both his warm, loving family and a momentous time in American history.

5. My Dream of Martin Luther King

Illustrated in full color. The acclaimed author/illustrator of the Caldecott Honor Book Tar Beach recounts her unique vision of Martin Luther King, Jr. by describing a dream she had about the great civil rights leader. The dream includes scenes of King’s childhood and the major events of his life, from the boycott of the segregated buses to his “I Have a Dream” speech to his assassination. Illustrated in Ringgold’s signature folk-art style, the text includes the author’s own personal vision, in which she imagines the people of the world gathering in King’s memory to trade prejudice, fear, and hate for hope, peace, and love.

6. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

A basic overview of Martin Luther King Jr. Day for emergent readers. Color photographs reflect the short, easy-to-understand sentences that improve vocabulary and comprehension.

7. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Follow Ranger Rick as he gives the youngest reader (Ages 6-7) a fun and fascinating tour of some of the most spectacular places in the United States. Stunning photos, fun and informative text, and a helpful field guide introduce the wonder of America’s national parks to the youngest readers. Young readers will love learning about the man behind this important monument and seeing his story woven into the design of Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park. They’ll also explore The Civil Rights Movement, one of the most important periods in American history.

20 Books About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for Kids

This is not an exhaustive list; there are many more books about Dr Martin Luther King for kids to read! Are there some which are not listed that you would suggest? Which book are you most excited to share with your child or add to your classroom?

Check out some of my other book lists!

Click here to see what we did during our unit on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.