By Angela D., Youth Collection Development Librarian
On his national holiday, January 20th this year, we honor the life and work of the great civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. His words from the monumental speech “I Have a Dream” still ring true, as the need for social justice and the elevation of marginalized people continues today. Find out about this legend at your library and share these kids’ resources with a child in your life.
His Life and Work
King was a Baptist preacher who became a leader in the civil rights movement—a charismatic speaker appealing to nonviolent protests against segregation and the fight for human rights. Explore more of his biography in our Gale in Context: U.S. History database. Then, discover facets of MLK’s life and language in these library books and resources for kids:
Martin’s Big Words: the Life of Martin Luther King Jr. by Doreen Rappaport and illus. by Bryan Collier
This picture book adaptation of her critically acclaimed adult memoir paints a vivid portrait of the wife of Martin Luther King, Jr. and a singular 20th-century American civil and human rights activist who fought for justice against all odds, becoming an unforgettable champion of social change.
A Place to Land: Martin Luther King and the Speech that Inspired a Nation by Barry Wittenstein and illus. by Jerry Pinkney
The true story behind the writing of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Read the famous speech, illustrated by the inimitable Kadir Nelson.
Heroes for All Times: a Nonfiction Companion to Magic Treehouse #51 by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce
Jack and Annie learn amazing facts about six history-changing individuals, including Susan B. Anthony, Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Jr., John Muir, Florence Nightingale ,and Harriet Tubman.
Continuing the Legacy
Martin Luther King’s work laid the foundation and his influence continues to inspire the work to advance racial equity today. Explore these books to have conversations on race in the wake of MLK’s enduring legacy.
Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round: My Story of the Making of Martin Luther King Day by Kathlyn J. Kirkwood
This moving memoir-in-verse tells about what it means to be an everyday activist and foot solider for racial justice, as Kathlyn recounts how she went from attending protests as a teenager to fighting as an adult for Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday to become a national holiday.
We Dream a World by Yolanda King
The granddaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King delivers a stirring tribute to her grandparents that speaks to children everywhere about hopes for a new future.
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
Kwame Alexander beautifully captures black history and life, including the words of MLK, in his Coretta Scott King award-winning book The Undefeated.
Talking To Children About Race
Conversations with kids about race and civil rights aren’t over after MLK day. While these conversations can be tough, using books that are developmentally appropriate are the best support in keeping conversations open with talking about race.
Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race by Megan Madison
Check out the book, then watch the author read it on the Brightly Storytime YouTube Channel.
Racism and Violence: Using Your Power to Support Children Ages 2-5. (ZerotoThree.org)
Talking to Children About Racial Bias (HealthyChildren.org)
Talking about Race (The National Museum of African American History & Culture)