Ten Books for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” –Martin Luther King Jr.
This year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Monday the 15th, which is Dr. King's actual birthday. Here are ten books for anyone looking to learn more or start learning about this incredible icon.
1. The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. edited by Clayborne Carson
Written in his own words comes the story of the man who's words still inspire us today. This is the essential read for anyone wanting to dive deeply into this incredible man's life, views, and hopes for the future.
2. I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King Jr.
A collection of the most memorable speeches by one of our country's greatest orators.
3. Strength to Love by Martin Luther King Jr.
In his own words, this book contains the essential element of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s philosophy of nonviolence.
4. A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches by Martin Luther King Jr.
This is another collection of his incredible speeches, but it also includes interviews, writings, and more.
5. Alabama V. King: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Criminal Trial That Launched the Civil Rights Movement by Dan Abrams, Fred. D. Gray with David Fisher
Written from the perspective of the defense lawyer who defended Dr. King during the trial that brought Dr. King to the forefront of the civil rights movement.
6. Why We Can't Wait by Martin Luther King Jr.
This is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s campaign in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963--perhaps the most racist city in the United States--and through tracing the history of the civil rights moments to its roots, Dr. King provides an analysis of from sit-ins, to full on marches.
7. Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream and You by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by James E. Ransome
This gorgeous picture book uses key moments in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life to inspire young readers to carry on the wisdoms and fights he began.
8. A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech That Inspired a Nation by Barry Wittenstein, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
In this beautiful picture book, it tells the story of how the speech that rocked an entire nation--and still influences every day--came to be and how at the last moment, he found the place to land.
9. Martin Luther King Jr.: Voice for Equality! by James Buckley, illustrated by Youneek Studios
An informative graphic novel for all ages that illustrates key moments in Dr. King's incredible life.
10. My Little Golden Book about Martin Luther King Jr. by Bonnie Bader, illustrated by Sue Cornelison
A classic picture book for all the younger readers out there who want to learn more about Martin Luther King Jr Day!