Eight Picture Books about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Every year, we celebrate and remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr in schools nationwide through acts of service, volunteering in our communities, or remembering his legacy by passing down his story to a younger generation.

Here’s a list of eight of my favorite Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. picture books to read aloud.

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Martin’s Dream Day by Kitty Kelley

A major highlight of this book is the photographs. There are many photographs to give context to what is written. This is a long book (lots of text) but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read it aloud to your primary friends. I’ve had many thoughtful conversations with my students while reading this book. I recommend reading several pages each day rather than trying to read this book in one sitting.

A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr. By David Adler

This is my favorite read aloud! I love this book because it covers Dr. King Jr.’s childhood (this helps young students make personal connections to him more) and the experiences that helped shape him into the leader he becomes as an adult. You can’t go wrong with this one!

Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport

This is one of the most popular MLK books out there and rightfully so. This book is a great introduction to Dr. King’s legacy by highlighting his message using his words.

Be A King by Carole Boston Weatherford

This is my favorite new Dr. King Jr. book. After students learn about Dr. King and his message, read this book so they can learn how to apply his message using their actions and words. Click here to grab the freebie writing activity that I made to go along with this activity.

I’ve Seen the Promised Land by Walter Dean Myers

This book is written by acclaimed writer Walter Dean Myers. What I enjoy about this book is how accurate it portrays Dr. King’s struggles as well as his strength and perseverance. This book is more for first and second graders.

My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King III

The son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. eloquently describes what it was like having the civil rights leader as a father. This was a read-aloud favorite. I think my students liked this story because it’s written in the first-person narrative by his son and that makes the story more personable. This was definitely a class favorite.

My Brother Martin by Christine King Farris

This book was written by Dr. King Jr.’s sister! It details his childhood growing up in the segregated South to becoming the civil rights hero. This book is well written and the illustrations are beautiful.

I Have A Dream by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In 1963, Dr. King Jr. gave one of the most powerful speeches in recorded history. This book is Dr. King’s I Have a Dream speech displayed alongside beautifully illustrated pictures. Click here to download a free writing activity that you can use after reading this book.

What are some other Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. books that you read in your classroom? Let me know in the comments section below!

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