Martin's Big Words

Martin Luther King Jr., A Bundle of Books

These are a few of my favorite books about Martin Luther King Jr.Something else I often look for on books for multicultural learning is the Corretta Scott King Award. You can find a list of those books here.

Martin's Big Words
by Doreen Rappaport

 This book highlights the major quotes and pieces of Dr. King's speeches. The accompanying illustrations are striking. The pages are full of Dr. King's famous quotes, while the story follows along.

There is a youtube version of this book here.

I Have A Dream

by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This book is an illustrated version of Dr. King's most famous 

speech. The words stick with you as they are accompanied by gorgeous, color-filled illustrations.

This short clip is a great highlight of his speech.

My Brother Martin

by Christine King Faris

This is a great book for launching into point of view and voice of the speaker. Although the length and text were a bit advanced for first grade, they enjoyed it! It is told through the eyes of Dr. King's sister and involves many childhood stories.

Happy Birthday Martin Luther King

by Jean Marzollo

I found this to be my students' favorite book of the week. It was the easiest and most straightforward for them to understand. I also liked how it described Dr. King's background and the circumstances of the Civil Rights Movement.

A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr.

by David A. Adler

This book is a great set-up for a timeline of MLK's life. A great resource not only for learning about Martin Luther King, Jr., but many other famous leaders as well. There is a great online version here.



For older readers, I still LOVE picture books for older students. Below is a great free resource through an awesome website: 

There is a more advanced chapter book on the website We Give Books called Free At Last!

And finally, I cannot watch this clip without getting chills down my spine. He is so powerful. To understand his sacrifice to work to end injustice, and his selflessness for the cause, is the most important lesson for all of us.