MLK books for kids are a great way to help kids build background knowledge about Martin Luther King Jr. before diving into classroom activities.
When January rolls around, I know it’s time to start planning lessons about Martin Luther King Jr.
Every year, I’m reminded how powerful his story is for sparking discussions about fairness, bravery, and making a difference.
But if you’ve ever asked your students what they know about Dr. King, you might notice some blank stares or only surface-level responses.
It’s not that they aren’t interested—it’s just that many students haven’t been exposed to enough details to understand his impact.
That’s why I always begin with books and articles about Dr. King.
In my classroom, these stories aren’t just reading materials—they’re conversation starters.
By the time we have read a book or two, my students are ready to dive deeper into discussions and writing activities about his life and legacy.
Sharing these resources has made such a difference in how my students connect with the lessons, and I know they’ll help your class, too.
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Why MLK Books for Kids Are Essential
Reading books about Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the best ways to give students the background knowledge they need to participate in meaningful activities.
These books bring Dr. King’s story to life with relatable narratives and engaging illustrations, helping students connect to the material in a way that feels personal.
When students build this foundation, they’re better equipped to tackle activities like writing prompts or text-based analysis.
They can pull from what they’ve learned to support their ideas and write with more confidence and depth.
If you’re planning to explore Dr. King’s legacy in your classroom, check out this MLK writing activity.
It’s a ready-to-use resource designed to reinforce text-based writing skills while encouraging students to reflect on the kind of person Dr. King was.
MLK Books for Kids & Articles for Upper Elementary
Introduce your students to Dr. King’s life and achievements through these engaging mentor texts.
Each book provides an opportunity for meaningful discussions, writing prompts, or read-aloud sessions.
Many of these titles are available as read-alouds on YouTube, making them even more accessible for your classroom.
Martin’s Big Words
- Author: Doreen Rappaport
- AR Level: 3.4
- This beautifully illustrated book focuses on the power of Dr. King’s words. It’s a great choice for teaching students about strong, meaningful language.
- Check YouTube for read-aloud options.
A Picture Book of Martin Luther King Jr.
- Author: David A. Adler
- AR Level: 3.8
- This simple, straightforward biography is perfect for younger upper-elementary students. It’s also an excellent mentor text for personal narratives.
- Available to read aloud on YouTube.
I Have A Dream
- Author: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- AR Level: 4.7
- This book pairs Dr. King’s famous speech with stunning illustrations, making it ideal for teaching about persuasive writing and powerful oratory skills.
- Look for read-aloud videos online.
Martin Rising: Requiem For a King
- Author: Andrea Davis Pinkney
- AR Level: 4.8
- A poetic tribute to Dr. King’s life and legacy, this book is excellent for cross-curricular lessons involving poetry and history.
- Explore YouTube for read-aloud options.
Who Was Martin Luther King Jr.?
- Author: Bonnie Bader
- AR Level: 5.2
- This chapter book offers a deeper dive into Dr. King’s life, perfect for students ready for more detailed information about the Civil Rights Movement.
- A great addition to your classroom library.
Free Online Articles About Martin Luther King Jr.
These teacher-friendly online resources provide factual, engaging content that’s perfect for classroom discussions, independent research, or writing prompts. Share them with students to build their understanding of Dr. King’s life and impact.
- A concise overview of Dr. King’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, perfect for introducing students to his legacy.
- A detailed look at Dr. King’s life and accomplishments, ideal for more in-depth class discussions.
- This article is written specifically for younger readers, making it a great choice for guided reading or paired reading activities.
- An engaging, kid-friendly article that ties in perfectly with writing activities or reflection prompts.
- Use this article to explain the significance of MLK Day and how his legacy continues to inspire us.
- This list of quick facts is great for bulletin board displays or as a jumping-off point for student research.
- A comprehensive article highlighting the challenges and triumphs of Dr. King’s life, perfect for older upper-elementary students.
- A fun and interactive resource that helps students understand Dr. King’s role in history.
How to Use MLK Books for Kids in Your Classroom
Here are a few ways to integrate these books and articles into your lessons:
Start with a Classroom Discussion
After reading one or more MLK books, I like to begin with a whole-class discussion. I’ll ask questions like:
- What stood out to you about Dr. King’s actions?
- How did his dreams for equality inspire others?
- Why is it important to remember his work today?
These discussions are great for helping students reflect and share their thoughts. They also set the stage for the writing and hands-on activities we’ll do next.
Complete a Graphic Organizer
To take things a step further, I use this MLK character analysis graphic organizer.
Students identify traits that describe Dr. King—like courageous, compassionate, and determined—and support each trait with evidence from the books or passages.
This activity really helps students think critically about Dr. King’s legacy and how his words and actions made a difference.
Answer a Writing Prompt about MLK Day
One of my favorite activities is having students respond to the question: What kind of person was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., based on his thoughts and actions?
The MLK Text Evidence Writing Activity includes paired passages for students to read and analyze.
After gathering text evidence, they organize their ideas using graphic organizers and write a thoughtful response.
I love how this activity helps kids develop their text-dependent writing skills while gaining a deeper understanding of Dr. King’s character and impact.
These activities, combined with classroom discussions, make it easy to create meaningful lessons that honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.
They also give students the tools to grow as readers and writers while reflecting on important themes like equality, perseverance, and leadership.
The Importance of MLK Books for Kids
Teaching students about Martin Luther King Jr. through books and activities is a meaningful way to help them connect with his legacy.
These MLK books build students’ background knowledge to engage in thoughtful conversations and give them a starting point for writing and reflection.
When paired with activities like writing prompts, graphic organizers, and hands-on worksheets, these resources make the learning experience even more impactful.
Whether you are focusing on civil rights, character traits, or text-based writing, these books and activities can inspire your students in a powerful way.
Check out this meaningful MLK writing activity. Find everything you need to make this lesson successful in my TPT store.
Click here to check out the MLK writing activity in my TPT store.
Don’t lose this post! Save it to your MLK lesson ideas board on Pinterest so you can find it again when planning your activities.
Check Out Other MLK Activities
- Writing Bio Poems to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.
- Big Kids Activities and Resources for MLK Day
- Teaching Diversity Through Picture Books: Booker T. Washington
- Practical Strategies for Teaching Elaboration and Adding Detail in Writing
- How to Explain Text Evidence to Boost Writing Skills in 4th Grade: A Writing Strategy
