As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year, I wanted to share a list of books that make excellent read-alouds to celebrate with your students. Some of these books are more suitable for older students, while others are better for younger ones. Read-alouds are a great way to introduce important topics to your students and open the door to meaningful conversations about subjects that may be challenging but are essential for students to understand so that history does not repeat itself.
While I am not an Amazon affiliate, I’ve included links to purchase these books on Amazon. You can also check them out at your school or local library, as I did, so you don’t have to spend any money to share these wonderful stories with your students.
If you’re looking for a book with beautiful illustrations, this is a great choice, as are several others on this list. This book is a very concise version of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, making it accessible for younger readers. While this book could work in any elementary classroom, it might be best suited for kindergarten through second grade, as it doesn’t go into much depth.
This book is a condensed version of Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. The illustrations are stunning and help students visualize the speech’s powerful messages. The full speech is included at the end of the book, making it a great resource for older students. You could use it as an extension activity by having them illustrate specific lines or have them break the lines down into simpler terms to demonstrate their understanding.
Told by Martin Luther King Jr.’s older sister, this book offers a unique perspective on his childhood. The beautiful illustrations and personal storytelling help students understand the events that inspired him to take action for a better America.
This book highlights the vital role children played in marches and protests to end segregation, focusing on the Birmingham Children’s Crusade. It tells the story of a young girl and her brother who participate in the movement and face the consequences, including being jailed. It’s a compelling look at how children helped drive significant change during the Civil Rights Movement.
This book recounts the story of the Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-ins. The author uses a poetic writing style that makes it stand out from other books. It helps students understand the goals of peaceful protests like sit-ins and their role in the Civil Rights Movement.
This story is less heavy than some others on this list but still addresses the realities of segregation. It focuses on a young girl named Clover, and the fence separating her yard from her white neighbors. The story shows how two girls on opposite sides of the fence choose to bridge the divide, offering a message of hope and friendship.
This book tells the story of Rosa Parks and her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. It also highlights the contributions of women to the Civil Rights Movement, a perspective that isn’t always emphasized. While it might be a bit lengthy for younger students, it’s a powerful story for all ages.
This is a simple and straightforward book about the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. It’s an excellent choice for younger students, particularly in Pre-K, kindergarten, and first grade, as its brevity makes it accessible to shorter attention spans.
This book tells the inspiring story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, an elementary-aged girl who participated in the Children’s March in Birmingham, Alabama. Audrey’s bravery and determination are a powerful example for students, showing that even young people can make a difference.
This nonfiction story follows a family that moved from New York to the South as the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum. It provides a look at how ordinary people, including children, contributed to the movement and worked tirelessly for change.
Do you have a favorite book you love to read with your students to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day? Let me know in the comments!
