Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Doreen Rappaport
illus. by Bryan Collier
Jump at the Sun; ISBN: 0786807148; (September 2001)
(ages 4-8)

Many reviewers mention the "simple yet gripping text" or "sparse and direct text" and I must agree. This book sends a very moving and powerful message.

Caldecott Honor book, Coretta Scott King Award, New York Times Best Illustrated Book

Freedom Walkers: the Story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott
written by Russell Freedman
Holiday House, 2006
ISBN 978-0823420315, ages 9 and up

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to move to the back of the bus and give up her seat to a white man. This refusal to give up her dignity sparked the Montgomery bus boycott, a yearlong struggle, and a major victory in the civil rights movement. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., played a major role in this boycott and the portion of this book that is devoted to this leader is very informative. Source notes, map, bibliography, index.

I've Seen the Promised Land: the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
written by Walter Dean Myers
illustrated by Leonard Jenkins
Amistad Press, 2003
ISBN 0060277033, ages 4-8

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is one of the most celebrated figures of the twentieth century. A crusader for nonviolent social justice, he led African Americans in their demands for equality through peaceful protests during one of the most tumultuous times in recent history. Set against key moments in the civil rights movement, here is the story of the powerful, eloquent spiritual leader and his belief that nonviolence could be used to overcome racial discrimination. Walter Dean Myers's moving narrative and Leonard Jenkins's compelling paintings portray a vivid and striking image of the man who moved American society closer to the ideals of freedom and fairness. Dr. King's dream that all Americans would be judged by their individual actions and character is one we still cherish today.

Dear Dr. King: Letters from Today's Children
to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Jan Colbert and Ann McMillan Harms, editors
Jump at the Sun
(ages 9-12)

A Memphis schoolteacher and a Memphis parent had an idea that black and white children should write letters to Dr. King. Dear Dr. King: Letters from Today's Children to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is the outcome of their idea. The writers range in age from 6 to 12 years old. These are very personal letters, children telling of themselves, others asking Dr. King questions. Some of these letters were read on The Oprah Show.

Time Trap: Martin Luther King
Margo Sorenson
Perfection Learning; ISBN 0-7891-233-1 (1996)
Ages 7 - 14

Aleesa and Kenneth, two classroom enemies, are paired to work on a school project about the 1960’s. As they begin their research, they find themselves transported to March, 1968, in a race to stop an American tragedy, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. What can they do to change history?

Meet Martin Luther King Jr.
James Tertius DeKay
Random House; ISBN: 0375803955; (January 2001)
(ages 4-8)

This biography of Martin Luther King Jr. tells children of his civil rights leadership and his peaceful resistance. The book contains 30 photos and text that discusses the life of Dr. King.

If You Lived at the Time of Martin Luther King
Ellen Levine
Scholastic; ISBN: 059042582X (January 1994)
(grades 3-8)

This book is more than just a biography of Dr. King, but really an introduction to many of the aspects of the Civil Rights movement of the '50s and '60s. Topics like segregation, white supremacy, the Montgomery bus boycott all come up in the book and teach an important part of our history.

Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King
Jean Marzollo
illus. by J. Brian Pinkney
Scholastic Trade; ISBN: 0590440659 (January 1993)
(ages 4-8)

This picture book uses illustrations and simple text to explain some the laws that Dr. King helped to change in our country.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Helen Frost
Pebble Books; ISBN: 0736805435 (January 2000)
(grades 1-2)

This colorful little book introduces young readers to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. There are photos, simple text, and a word list included.

A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr.
David Adler
illus. by Robert Casilla
Holiday House; ISBN: 0823408477 (June 1991)
(ages 4-8)

This beautifully illustrated picture book tells of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and death. Included is a timeline of important dates.

My Dream of Martin Luther King
Faith Ringgold
Dragonfly; ISBN: 0517885778 (December 1998)
ages 4-8

Faith Ringgold narrates this story, telling of a dream she had about Martin Luther King. She includes glimpses of his childhood, and goes into his adult activities such as protests, segregation, and even to his assassination. The illustrations are in folk-modern painting.

I Have a Dream
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., introduction by Coretta Scott King
illustrated by 15 Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrators
Scholastic, 1997
ISBN 0-5902-0516-1, all ages

On August 28, 1963, the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his most memorable and inspiring speech to a country divided by riots over racial injustice. With the words "I have a dream," King invoked his vision of a racially harmonious America, where "little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers." This elegant gift edition of Dr. King's unforgettable speech is the perfect way to share his powerful message of hope and compassion. Featuring the complete text and a foreword by King's daughter, the Reverend Bernice A. King, I Have a Dream presents a moving portrait of a visionary at the peak of his influence.