Children’s books to teach your kids about Martin Luther King Jr.

“My father’s dream continues to live on from generation to generation, and this beautiful and powerful illustrated edition of his world-changing ‘I Have a Dream’ speech brings his inspiring message of freedom, equality, and peace to the youngest among us—those who will one day carry his dream forward for everyone,” says Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King.

Illustrated by Yuliia Zolotova, this book is part of the Mini Movers and Shakers children’s books. One reviewer shares: “The level of vocabulary in this book makes it a good read aloud story for teachers in class or families at home. It is a quick read with lots of information packed in. The illustrations are excellent. I would definitely use this as an anchor text for discussions about MLK or jump starting a discussion on Civil Rights. It is a book teacher me could use to teach vocabulary for sure.”

“Many young children know there was a march on Washington a long time ago and that Martin Luther King Jr. gave a famous speech that day,” writes Horn Book Magazine. "Some know why the march took place; fewer still know how it happened. Using a minimalist text (no more than ten words per page) as he employed in Underground, Evans covers the last two points."

"Beginning with the startling cover, which contains only the face of Martin Luther King Jr., with his smile broad, and his eyes crinkled in laughter, this title intrigues," writes Kirkus Reviews. "It’s an homage in words and pictures, in which the author weaves King’s words with her own to present a brief but stately portrait of the American hero…. Readers will hear [King's] voice echo in this presentation."

“This book opened my eyes to the man that was a father and a husband but also a strong figure in the world” raves one reader. "This book made me think about the sacrifices made by this family so that we could have a level of freedom that we had never experienced before…. We hear a lot about Dr. King but nothing about the children who donated a father to the Civil Rights Movement. In the eyes of this 8-year-old I see a Southern gentleman who loved to play with his kids and who took family time and family values seriously. I also hear the heart of a 10-year-old who will forever see images and pictures and insights into the father he can no longer touch! KUDOS and much love to you Martin King III…. Your life is a legacy of a KING!"

One reviewer writes: “March On! is an extremely moving read that beautifully conveys the importance and tone of August 28th, 1963 when Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered one of the most notable and important speeches ever given. I loved all the addition information in the afterward and highly recommend that it be shared with students of all ages.”

“Teachable, Memorable, Long-Lasting, Forever True; words that describe the impact this book will have on the minds of both young and old,” writes one reviewer. "Dr. Watkins, you have truly left a memory for every boy and girl for years to come. They will never forget the ‘FREEDOM’ that Dr. King, your uncle, fought for."

“As with the other books in this series, this book is laid out really well for young children,” writes one reviewer. "It has a great glossary at the back explaining some of the more difficult words included in the story and the illustrations are bright and bold to help keep younger children interested. It also has a QR code at the back which allows you to obtain a free educational guide to help encourage discussions around the themes included in the book."

One parent shares: “This book is perfect for introducing little ones to MLK and the civil rights movement! My 3yo loves this book. The rhythmic prose and colorful illustrations keep young listeners or readers engaged the whole time.”

This biography teaches readers about Dr. King’s “inspirational life as he fought for equality and desegregation for African Americans through nonviolence and became one of the most infamous leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.”

This book provides “a historical account of Martin Luther King's assassination, including the events leading up to it, the people involved, the conditions of racial tension, and the lingering aftermath.”

This book provides historical context to the March on Washington on August 23, 1963, from multiple perspectives. It’s a part of the Teacher Created Materials Library that is dedicated to creating “innovative and imaginative educational materials and services for students worldwide.”

Written by New York Times bestselling author and award-winning broadcaster Tavis Smiley, this book chronicles the last 365 days of “King’s life, revealing the minister's trials and tribulations” including the many rejections he was getting from the press, the president, and even the Black middle class at the time.

"What a very nice book!" shares one parent. "I purchased this book so we can read and learn more about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., there are so many great facts and tidbits in this book, it really kept the kids interested the whole time. I also love how there are questions in the back of the book to ask the kids to make sure they understand and remember what they read."

"This beautifully illustrated easy-to-read biography takes a look at the life, leadership, and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr…. A fine introduction to King and the freedom movement, and one that would be equally useful for story-hour and discussion group," writes the School Library Journal.