12 Martin Luther King Jr. Books for Little Learners

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Martin Luther King Jr. was such an incredibly important person in the history of the United States of America. When I was a teacher, we always spent a week learning about him and his leadership in the civil rights movement. I loved reading Martin Luther King Jr. books with my students to help illustrate what exactly he did and what he stood for. Here are my 12 favorite Martin Luther King Jr. books.

12 Children’s Martin Luther King Jr. Books for Little Learners

A Picture Book of Martin Luther King Jr. by David A. Adler

This biographical picture book of Martin Luther King Jr. is a fairly accurate account of his life and death, while still being appropriate and gentle enough for children.

My First Biography: Martin Luther King Jr. by Marion Dane Bauer

An excellent book to begin to explain King and the historical concepts surrounding his life. Perfect for preschool aged children.

Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport

This book is an Orbis Pictus Honor Book, Coretta Scott King Honor Book, Caldecott Honor Book for Illustration, ALA Notable Book, and is on the Blue Ribbon list of the Bulletin Center for Children’s Books. Don’t miss this this powerful portrayal of the civil rights movement.

The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. by Johnny Ray Moore

Delicate watercolor illustrations and simple text make the story of Martin Luther King Jr. interesting and easy to understand for preschoolers and younger children.  This would be a great addition to your picture book library!

I am Martin Luther King, Jr. by Brad Meltzer

The “Ordinary People Change the World” series is one of my favorites, and this book is as inspiring and educational as all of the rest of them!  

A Lesson from Martin Luther King, Jr. by Denise Lewis Patrick

Part of the Ready-to-Read Childhood of Famous Americans series, this book tells a true story from King’s own childhood about prejudice and segregation.

Who Was Martin Luther King Jr.? by Bonnie Bader

The “Who Was” series books are perfect for grades 3-7, and this one is no exception.  Simple text and 80 black and white illustrations throughout make this an excellent historical read.

Martin Luther King Jr. by Kitson Jazynka

A National Geographic early reader book, this version of Martin Luther King Jr.’s autobiography is simple enough for young children and includes engaging sidebars to keep their attention.

I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King Jr.

This illustrated version of King’s famous speech also comes with an audio CD, which brings this historical event to life.  A must have book for all ages!

My Daddy, Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther, III King

This picture book biography is written by Martin Luther King, III.  Learn about Martin Luther King Jr. in the eyes of his own son.  A child’s point of view of this powerful man is touching and will teach kids about social justice in a non scary way.

Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King Jr. by Jean Marzollo

This book uses illustrations and simple, straightforward text to explain who Martin Luther King Jr. was and how he impacted history.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day by Margaret McNamara

An easy to understand story that focuses mostly on King’s “dream”, and less on the history surrounding it.  A fantastic book for young children.

Can you not find a resource that you would LOVE to have for your classroom? Contact me and I would be happy to make it for you.

Don’t forget to check out all of the children’s book lists featured on A Dab of Glue Will Do.  Do you have any favorite children’s Martin Luther King Jr. books that are not on the list? If so, please share in the comments below.