Book Reviews: Get to Know Martin Luther King, Jr.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 19.
by Andrea Rose
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 19.
by Andrea Rose
Dec 30, 2025
Good Night Martin Luther King Jr.
By Adam Gamble & Mark Jasper
$8.35; Ages: 0-3
Publisher: Good Night Books
Amazon.com
You know and love the chunky “Good Night Our World” series of board books. This one features the civil rights leader and introduces the youngest kiddos to his leadership and events that happened during King’s time.
By Bonnie Bader & Sue Cornelison
$4.78; Ages: 3-7
Publisher: Golden Books
Amazon.com
The classic Little Golden Books are known for presenting stories in a family-friendly way and this book is no exception. It provides an introduction to King that even the youngest reader can understand.
By Mary Nhin
$12.91; Ages: 4-10
Publisher: Grow Grit Press
Amazon.com
Part of the Mini Movers & Shakers series of books that are designed to inspire kids through graphic style. This one tells King’s story and shows how, with hard work, one can achieve great things.
By Brad Meltzer & Christopher Eliopoulos
$9.59; Ages: 5-7
Publisher: Rocky Pond Books
Amazon.com
This biography is part of the “Ordinary People Change the World” series (which inspired the PBS series “Xavier Riddle & the Secret Museum) and tells the story of Martin Luther King, Jr. King helped gather a generation of people together to lead the world toward a kinder, gentler way of life with racial equality.
By Kitson Jazynka & Nat Geo Kids
$3.99; Ages: 5-8
Publisher: National Geographic Kids
Amazon.com
This Level 3 book is perfect for guiding young readers in learning about King. The use of Fun Facts, diagrams, and colorful breakout boxes make learning about King’s life and legacy fun.
By David A. Adler & Robert Casilla
$8.26; Ages: 5-8
Publisher: Holiday House
Amazon.com
This book is geared toward kids in first and second grades who are interested in history and biographies. It’s a great guide to King.
By Dharathula H. Millender
$7.83; Ages: 8-12
Publisher: Aladdin
Amazon.com
This book offers illustrations and breakouts to help engage and educate young readers and illustrate King’s life from childhood to death.
By Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
$18; Ages: 10-17
Publisher: Beacon Press
Amazon.com
Written in five sections, this guide introduces King’s writings and speeches, including his “I Have a Dream” speech.
By Lerone Martin
$32.99; Ages: teen-adult
Publisher: Amistad
Amazon.com
This book tells the story of King before he became a civil rights leader, from his youth to his time in the pulpit and beyond. You’ll have to wait till May to find this one in bookstores, but you can pre-order it.
By Donald T. Phillips
$12.99; Ages: Adult
Publisher: Hachette Book Group
Amazon.com
King’s wisdom made him easy to listen to and this peaceful leader has much to say, and much we can learn from today.
