Young readers will love learning about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King through great books. Books allow a new generation and younger readers to provide a great introduction to social justice, the civil rights era, his famous speech, and his advocacy for African Americans. The following high-quality books are a great opportunity for young learners and little kids. Using books to introduce topics like equal rights and learning about civil rights activists like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through historical event coverage and the true story of his life help younger children learn and discuss how to continue to advocate for equality and making the world a better place for all.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Children's Picture Books

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. This federal holiday is observed every year on the third Monday of January. Martin Luther King Jr. Day has been observed since 1986.

Martin Luther King Jr. was an activist and civil rights leader fighting for racial justice and equality. Martin Luther King Jr. used his voice to fight an inspire others. As you and your family are home from work and school on Martin Luther King Jr. day, check out these inspiring and beautiful stories centered around Martin Luther King Jr. and the impactful work he did for our country.

10 Martin Luther King Jr. Books for Children

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Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You

My children grab for this book regularly and it is so inspiring and beautifully written.

You can be a King. Stamp out hatred. Put your foot down and walk tall.

You can be a King. Beat the drum for justice. March to your own conscience.

Featuring a dual narrative of the key moments of Dr. King's life alongside a modern class as the students learn about him, Carole Weatherford's poetic text encapsulates the moments that even young kids today can reenact in their own lives. This book is a must have for families to highlight the important work of Martin Luther King Jr and how children can continue to fight for justice and equality today. mlk's words and the simple text combination are so present in this wonderful book that is done in such an age-appropriate introduction honors dr. king’s life in this artful book.

I Have A Dream (Book and CD Set)

From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King: “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.” This is the perfect book to show the meaningful life and incredible part of history and how Dr. King's life played a integral role then and even now. Illustrated by the talented kadir nelson, this story of martin luther king jr. is a hit and a must read for all homes and classrooms.

A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Pairing detailed illustrations and an accessible narrative of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, this little book is ideal for a discussion about the history behind the holiday, or an early introduction to the struggle for civil rights in America. Includes a timeline of important dates which is great for use as a school project with even elementary schoolers and lesson as well for teachers. This picture book biography about Martin Luther King Jr. is a teacher’s pick and geared towards children aged 5-7 years old.

We March

On August 28, 1963, a remarkable event took place--more than 250,000 people gathered in our nation's capital to participate in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The march began at the Washington Monument and ended with a rally at the Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic "I Have a Dream" speech, advocating racial harmony.

We March was one of Kirkus Reviews' Best Children's Books of 2012, and is an important story about the African American civil rights movement. We March is one of my families’ favorite books and we read it throughout the year. Many words have been written about that day, but few so delicate and powerful as those presented here by award-winning author and illustrator Shane W. Evans. When combined with his simple yet compelling illustrations, the thrill of the day is brought to life for even the youngest reader to experience.

Martin’s Dream

Embrace the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in this Level 1 Ready-to-Read storybook for early readers. This ready to read book breaks down Martin Luther King Jr.’s work in a way that even the very youngest readers can comprehend. Today, his beliefs are more important than ever, and this nonficiton book for elementary students explains his words in language that will be clear for even the youngest reader. This is a great book for read alouds for a class of young students.

A Place To Land

This book about Martin Luther King Jr gives me chills every time I read it to my children. Finding this place This is one of our favorite books about Martin Luther King Jr gives me chills every time I read it to my children. Finding this place to land was what Martin Luther King, Jr. struggled with, alongside advisors and fellow speech writers, in the Willard Hotel the night before the March on Washington, where he gave his historic "I Have a Dream" speech. But those famous words were never intended to be heard on that day, not even written down for that day, not even once.

Barry Wittenstein teams up with legendary illustrator Jerry Pinkney to tell the story of how, against all odds, Martin found his place to land. A Place to Land has won many awards and needs a place in your home as well.

Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This book about Martin Luther King Jr. is a best seller in children’s books about activism and is a teachers pick. In one of the best illustrated Children’s Book / picture book I have ever read, this biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. brings his life and the profound nature of his message to young children through his own words. This book about Martin Luther King Jr’s life is geared towards readers ages 5-8.

This book is a Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King Honor, and New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children’s Book picture book biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., brings his life and the profound nature of his message to young children through his own words. This book is written by Doreen Rappaport and Bryan Collier.

March On: The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World

From the sister of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., comes this moving account of what that day was like for her, and for the man who inspired a crowd — and convinced a nation to let freedom ring. London Ladd's beautiful full-color illustrations bring to life the thousands of people from all over the country who came to the nation's capital.

They sing, they join hands, they march, and they listen as speaker after speaker inspires social change, culminating in Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech. This book is a great read aloud option for families or perfect for independent readers in Grade 3-4. Author Christine King Farris inspires new generation of children in this picture book.

Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and his strong voice and powerful message were joined and lifted in song by world-renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. It was a moment that changed the course of history and is imprinted in minds forever. Written by Christine King Farris this book needs to be on a list of children 's books as a great way to learn and discuss the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

My Daddy: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King III was one of those four little children mentioned in Martin Luther King’s groundbreaking “I Have a Dream” speech. In this memoir, Martin Luther King Jr.’s son gives an intimate look at the man and the father behind the civil rights leader. Mr. King’s remembrances show both his warm, loving family and a momentous time in American history.

These books are a must have in your school library, home, or classroom collection to have out and read on MLK day and all year long to highlight the important work that activists like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and others like Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, and many many others. Enjoy these books and the following color by number printables to use as well for free.