Celebrating MLK Jr.'s Legacy With Children's Books

“I have a dream…” We have heard these famous words from the speech that Martin Luther King Jr. gave on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the 1964 March on Washington. It continues, “one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.’

We celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year on January 17, 2011. Part of the legacy that he left was to teach Americans to appreciate the diversity inherent in our country. There are numerous books available to help children celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of hope and sense of humanity. Here are some selections available from our catalog:

Non-fiction picture books:
Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King! By Jean Marzollo
This book is a beautifully-rendered study of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life, told in simple, straightforward language for even the youngest of readers to understand. Pinckney’s scratchboard and oil pastel illustrations convey both the strength and gentleness of King's character. Both text and art carry his central message of peace and brotherhood among all people.


A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr. by David A. Adler and illustrated by Robert Casilla
A brief, illustrated, biography of the Baptist minister and civil rights leader whose philosophy and practice of nonviolent civil disobedience helped African-Americans win many battles for equal rights.

Early Reader books:
Free at Last: the Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Angela Bell
This is a short introductory biography of the civil rights leader, who encouraged nonviolent protest to fulfill his dream of an America where people would be judged by the content of their character, not by the color of their skin.

Martin’s Dream by Jane Kurtz
In this early reader, author Jane Kurtz explains Dr. King’s words in language even the youngest reader can understand.

Non-fiction Juvenile books:
Martin’s Big Words: the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport.
This is an accessible introduction for young readers to learn about one of the world’s most influential leaders. Doreen Rappaport weaves the immortal words of Dr. King into a captivating narrative to tell the story of his life. With stunning art by acclaimed illustrator Bryan Collier, Martin’s Big Words is an unforgettable portrait of a man whose dream changed America—and the world—forever.

Martin Luther King Jr’s Speech in Translation: What it Really Means by Leslie J. Holland.
This book presents Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speech and explains it’s meaning using everyday language. It describes the events that led to the speech and its significance through history.

Young Adult books:
I Have a Dream: the Life and Words of Martin Luther King, Jr. by James Haskins
This book presents the life, words, and principles of the noted civil rights worker through extensive quotations from his speeches and writings.

My Life with Martin Luther King, Jr. by Coretta Scott King.
This personal, inspirational account of the history of the Civil Rights Movement describes the author's relationship with Martin Luther King, Jr., detailing their marriage, the events of the 1960s, and King's tragic assassination.

These are a small selection of the many titles that Mercer County Library has available on Dr. King. Take the opportunity to share some with your children as we celebrate the birthday of this remarkable man.

- Kim L.