Here are some fantastic children’s books about Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as a few highlighting other Civil Rights activists. While kids books about MLK won’t work against racism in and of themselves, I hope you use them as a stepping stone for discussions and subsequent action. These are the perfect accompaniment to go along with our family guide on how to celebrate MLK Day with kids.
I hope these books about Martin Luther King Jr. are helpful for your family as meaningfully celebrate MLK Day. Each of these children’s books about MLK highlight his life and mission, and there are a few that feature other Civil Rights activists. Be sure to use them alongside the discussion questions below to further the work of raising antiracist kids!
This post on children’s books about MLK contains affiliate links, but all opinions are 100% my own. That means I earn a small commission if you purchase through my link, but doesn’t change your price.
20+ Children’s Books About Martin Luther King, Jr.: Civil Rights Books for Kids
PRESCHOOL
Martin’s Dream Day
One of my very favorites. I love the photographs.
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I Am Martin Luther King, Jr. and I Am Brave: A Little Book About Martin Luther King, Jr.
This whole series of ordinary people who change the world is so fantastic. I love that this one is a more robust biography and touches on more than the one famous speech.
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A Sweet Smell of Roses
I love that this one shows children noticing the march and wanting to be involved.
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My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I love this beautiful perspective provided by Dr. King’s son.
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My Uncle Martin’s Big Heart
I love that this one provides personal perspective into the man.
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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
I Have A Dream
The illustrations on this one are so beautiful, and the book comes with a CD that plays clips from the speech.
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Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Beautiful watercolor illustrations in this one.
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A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech That Inspired a Nation
This one is a fascinating take on how the most famous part of Dr. King’s speech almost didn’t happen.
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My Dream of Martin Luther King
This one is through the perspective of a child, through a dream.
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Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You
This one is especially great for a class our group, as it features a modern class of students working on a project honoring Dr. King.
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Dream March: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the March on Washington
This is a great one for emerging readers to learn about Dr. King.
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Let The Children March
This is such an empowering book for young kids.
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Enough! 20 Protesters Who Changed America
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Martin’s Dream
Here’s another great one for emerging readers.
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Rosa
The cut paper illustrations on this one are beautiful, and the story stays true and inspirational.
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The Story of Ruby Bridges
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A is for Activist
I’m always a fan of a good alphabet book, and this one is perfect to learn some important vocabulary.
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Thurgood
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MIDDLE GRADE
March
This graphic novel written by and about former Rep. John Lewis is great for slightly older kids.
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Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.?
We love all the Who Was books, and this one is a great overview for elementary schoolers.
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Portraits of African-American Heroes
We’ve loved having this beautiful compilation in our home for years.
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IF YOU LIKED THIS POST WITH CHILDREN’S BOOKS ABOUT MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., YOU MIGHT LIKE THESE POSTS TOO:
- How to Celebrate MLK Day with Kids
- 8 Simple Antiracist Actions for Families
- Why Talk To Kids About Racism
- A-Z Diverse Global Picture Books for Kids
