Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Author Linda Lowery  Illustrator Hetty Mitchell

This title fits these categories:

Racial awareness: Shows diverse people living their lives in realistic ways.

Racial pride: Provides strong, positive role model for children

Racial issue: Shows historical or contemporary inequality based on race.

Activism Shows ways we can make a difference.

Acceptable grade levels Preschool through 3rd grade

 Concepts/ Topics covered in book:

This is a simple explanation of why we celebrate Martin Luther King Day with a biography featuring important moments in Martin Luther King’s childhood and adult life. It is written at a third grade reading level. For younger children, the teacher can select certain parts to share. Intermediate children 3-5 can read this book for themselves when research on King and his legacy.

Discussion Questions

How do you think Martin felt when his white friend could no longer play with him? Do you think this was fair? How did his mother help him understand?

What did Martin do to prepare himself to make the country a better place for all people?

Should people disobey laws that they think are wrong and suffer the consequences?

There is also an excellent set of questions and activities at back of book.

Activities

The ally, victim, perpetrator, bystander activity would also work well with this.

Another great book about Martin Luther King to read to your young students is My Brother Martin