Martin Luther King Jr. was a towering figure in the American civil rights movement, fighting tirelessly for racial equality, social justice, and a world free from discrimination. His contributions to the advancement of civil rights through nonviolent protest helped reshape the nation’s landscape and left a lasting legacy for future generations. Martin Luther King Jr. Day offers an opportunity to honor his work and reflect on the ongoing fight for justice and equity. One powerful way to engage students in this reflection is through literature. The following seven children’s books written by African American authors allow young readers to understand the historical context of Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights movement, its relevance today, and how they can contribute to creating a more just world.
1. The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
This beautifully illustrated book tells the true story of six-year-old Ruby Bridges, who became the first African American child to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans in 1960. Through Ruby’s courageous journey, students can explore themes of racial segregation, perseverance, and courage in the face of adversity.
Taking Action: Ruby’s story provides an excellent starting point for discussions on the history of school desegregation and its emotional and psychological impact. Students can research the history of school integration in their state or city and map out how desegregation unfolded across the U.S. Another project idea is to create a timeline of major events related to the civil rights movement, focusing on key figures and legal battles, including Ruby Bridges’ story.
2. Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport
This biography of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. focuses on his words and the principles that guided his life and work. It highlights his commitment to nonviolent protest and his belief in the power of love and justice.
Taking Action: Teachers can use this book to start a discussion on the power of nonviolent communication, connecting Dr. King’s philosophy to modern-day activism. Consider having students create a “big words” poster of their own, where they write messages that promote equality, peace, and justice. Students could also explore how King’s words influenced contemporary social justice movements and write essays exploring his impact on current leaders.
3. The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson
Set in a segregated town, this beautifully written story is about two young girls—one white, one black—who defy social norms by befriending each other. Woodson uses the girls’ simple but profound relationship to examine segregation and the artificial barriers that divide people.
Taking Action: This book is perfect for discussing segregation and the concept of artificial social barriers. After reading, students could create a “barrier-breaking” project, where they identify modern-day barriers in their own community (e.g., racial, social, or economic) and propose ways to break them down. Students can also write letters to local leaders advocating for change in their community, inspired by the courage of the characters.
4. I Have a Dream by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., illustrated by Kadir Nelson
While it is closely tied to King’s iconic speech, this book stands out because of its stunning illustrations by Kadir Nelson. It takes the essence of the “I Have a Dream” speech and brings it to life for children, focusing on the vision of a world where racial equality prevails.
Taking Action: Teachers can use this book to launch discussions on the concept of “dreams” and aspirations for a better world. A classroom project could involve students writing and sharing their own “dreams” for their community or the world, relating them to King’s vision of racial equality. Students could also create a collage of images that represent how a just world might look, blending historical events and their personal visions of social change.
5. The Power of One by Trudy Ludwig
This story focuses on a young boy named Nicholas who experiences bullying and learns about standing up for what is right. Through his experiences, students learn the importance of making a difference even if you are just one person.
Taking Action: This book supports the discussion of how individual actions can challenge injustice, aligning with Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy that “one person can make a difference.” Students could be encouraged to identify situations in their school or community where they can stand up for fairness. A project could involve students creating a “Power of One” campaign, where they identify acts of kindness and justice they can perform and track their impact.
6. Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down by Andrea Davis Pinkney
This book tells the inspiring true story of the Greensboro Four, four African American college students who staged a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth’s lunch counter in 1960. This act of nonviolent protest was a turning point in the civil rights movement.
Taking Action: This story provides a great opportunity to discuss the power of peaceful protest and collective action. Children could research the sit-in movement, focusing on its impact on segregation laws. Students might extend their learning by creating a documentary-style video or presentation on the sit-in movement, and interviewing peers or community members about how they see nonviolent protest affecting change today.
7. The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage by Selina Alko
This book shares the inspiring true story of Richard and Mildred Loving, whose fight for interracial marriage led to a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case. It illustrates the connection between love, law, and civil rights, making it a powerful tool for discussing how laws have historically oppressed people based on race.
Taking Action: Students can explore how laws have affected civil rights, particularly focusing on marriage equality and legal restrictions based on race. A classroom project could include researching landmark civil rights cases and creating a “Case for Equality” poster series that showcases key legal battles and their outcomes. Students could also create debates or write persuasive essays on the importance of equality under the law.
Wrapping Up
These books not only offer insights into key moments of the civil rights movement but also invite young readers to reflect on how the struggle for equality continues today. They are powerful tools for fostering empathy, understanding, and action. Through reading and discussing these stories, students can gain a deeper understanding of history while becoming active participants in the ongoing fight for justice. We must keep Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy alive by engaging students with stories that challenge the status quo and inspire them to act for change. By incorporating these books into your classroom, you can help nurture the next generation of advocates for equality and social justice. Let’s keep the conversation going beyond Martin Luther King Jr. Day and ensure these themes resonate throughout the year.
