Perhaps one of the most prolific activists of the 20th century, Martin Luther King, Jr. is an American icon. American children should know and learn about his beloved speeches, brave protests, and dreams for racial equality. The books below will capture the hearts of young readers at every stage of school so that they can learn more about MLK and the Civil Rights Movement. Here are 25 Must-Read Martin Luther King, Jr. Children's Books.
Preschool Books
1. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Mary Nhin
This picture book biography is part of the Mini Movers and Shakers book series. Dr. King had to overcome a myriad of obstacles throughout his life. This book inspires kids to overcome challenges and persevere, much like Dr. King.
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2. This Little Dreamer by Joan Holub
This is a board book format for the youngest readers. Kids will learn all about famous dreamers including Dr. King. The stunning illustrations will keep kids engaged from beginning to end.
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3. A Picture Book of Martin Luther King Jr. by David A. Adler
This is the perfect book to introduce the history of the Civil Rights Movement as well as Dr. King's life. The picture book biography includes King's life story and specific events from his childhood that inspired him to fight for equality and become a civil rights leader.
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4. Good Night Martin Luther King Jr. by Adam Gamble and Mark Jasper
This artful book introduces the life, events, and education of the civil rights icon, Dr. Martin Luther King. From his powerful speeches to his inspirational life, kids will learn all about Dr. King's journey for racial equality.
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5. We Shall Overcome by Bryan Collier
This book is a tribute to the gospel song and Civil Rights Anthem, "We Shall Overcome". The song's lyrics come to life with evocative illustrations. Children will love learning about equal rights while hearing this famous song.
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6. The Official U. S. Civil Rights Trail by Lee Sentell
This book is a great way to introduce Civil Rights history to young readers. This book includes a timeline of the Civil Rights Movement as well as pictures of historical landmarks throughout the United States. Each image includes a description of a historical event, bringing the event to life.
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Elementary School Books
7. Otto's Tales: Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by PragerU
Dennis and Otto go on adventures to learn about important people and events. They learn about Martin Luther King, Jr. and his famous dreams of a brighter future of equality. This book is perfect for the middle grades.
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8. Martin Luther King Jr. by Inspired Inner Genius
This is another picture book biography, but it is for slightly older readers. This fantastic book includes full-color illustrations, as well as unique descriptions of Dr. King's life and accomplishments, bringing his story to life.
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9. MLK & LI by Allison Singh
This unique book details Dr. King's visits to Long Island. The book includes famous civil rights incidents that occurred on Long Island, as well as famous speeches given to Long Islanders. This is the true story of MLK's time on Long Island--including his visit 9 days before his death.
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10. Black Leaders in the Civil Rights Movement by Glenda Armand
This biography collection details important Civil Rights leaders, including Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Fannie Lou Hamer. Each biography includes the person's contribution to the Civil Rights Movement and the overall impact they had on the fight for racial equality.
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11. Black Heroes: A Black History Book by Arlisha Norwood
This biography collection reviews famous African Americans throughout history. Each biography includes key events from that person's life that make them impactful to history. The biographies include the likes of Dr. King, Harriet Tubman, and Bessie Coleman.
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12. Holly Celebrates MLK Day by Kimberly Kendall-Drucker
Join fun-loving child, Holly, as she celebrates MLK Day. She loves to tell her family all the facts and knowledge she has about Dr. King and why we celebrate his life. This is the perfect book to begin difficult conversations about racism.
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13. The Teachers March! by Sandra Neil Wallace, et al.
This award-winning book explores the inspirational story of Reverend F. D. Reese. Reese inspired African-American teachers to march in Selma for the right to vote. This book shows the power of protest, important from generation to generation.
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14. If You Were a Kid During the Civil Rights Movement by Gwendolyn Hooks
Children will follow two girls as they join a segregated school during the Civil Rights Movement. Joyce and Connie will learn how difficult life was for African Americans during this time and how glaring injustice was. This is another great text to teach children about racism.
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15. Liberty's Civil Rights Road Trip by Michael W. Waters
This fictionalized story is based on actual events during the Civil Rights Movement. Join Liberty as she takes a bus on tour around places like Memphis and Birmingham. Her journey is brought to life with illustrations that kids will love.
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Middle School Books
16. Martin Luther King Jr. by Wendy Conklin
This chapter book biography is great for middle school and high school students. Kids will learn about Civil Rights activists, MLK's beloved speeches, the all-white public school system, economic injustice, key events in the Civil Rights Movement, and more.
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17. The Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Alan Pierce
This book explores the events leading up to the assassination of MLK, the assassination itself, and the events after the assassination. Though this is a difficult topic for children, they will learn about the forces of injustice that led to MLK's untimely death.
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18. March On Washington, August 23, 1963 by Torrey Maloof
This book details the historical event of the March on Washington. The text includes multiple perspectives to help readers get a true depiction of the march itself and MLK's iconic speech.
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19. I See the Promised Land by Arthur Flowers
This graphic novel depicts Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life like never before. The comics-style illustration is perfect for hesitant readers who want to learn more about MLK's life. Also featured in this book are inspiring quotes from King's famous speeches. Kids will love this biography.
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High School Books
20. The Sword and the Shield by Peniel E. Joseph
This book details the lives of two courageous people with seemingly differing ideologies, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. The author exposes how both Black Americans were needed during the Civil Rights Movement. This unique comparative biography will shed new light on this generation of activists.
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21. Death of a King by Tavis Smiley
This nonfiction narrative reveals key events and details of MLK's last year of life leading up to his assassination. This complex book will captivate readers as they get an inside look at King's daily activities during a time of strife and unrest.
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22. No Name In the Street by James Baldwin
James Baldwin remembers his time growing up during the Civil Rights Movement in Harlem. He remembers the murders of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X and describes his memories in vivid detail. Through his descriptions, it is impossible to deny the realities of racism.
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23. To Shape a New World edited by Tommie Shelby and Brandon M. Terry
This anthology of essays from Civil Rights scholars explores Dr. King's lesser-known writings. The book's authors aim to show MLK's true impact on American politics, as well as the nuances of his political ideology.
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24. Chasing King's Killer by James L. Swanson
This award-winning book is a complex look at MLK's murderer, James Earl Ray. Swanson builds a tail of suspense that will engage readers from beginning to end. Readers won't be able to put this true thriller down.
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25. On the Other Side of Freedom by Deray McKesson
In a fresh portrayal of today's battles with racial inequality, this book imagines a better tomorrow for Black people in America. Deray McKesson, a contemporary activist who marched on Ferguson, Missouri, implores readers to not only see racism, but to defy, overcome, and dismantle racism for a more hopeful America.
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