12 Books About Martin Luther King Jr.

Eileen Ybarra, Librarian III, Electronic Resources,
Martin Luther King Jr. and Governor Edmund G. Brown during a Freedom Rally at the Los Angeles Sports Arena on June 18, 1961. Photo Courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library Herald-Examiner Collection
Martin Luther King Jr. and Governor Edmund G. Brown during a Freedom Rally at the Los Angeles Sports Arena on June 18, 1961. Photo from the Herald-Examiner Collection

In the early 1960s, Martin Luther King Jr., (MLK) symbolized hope, fortitude, and change in a country that was caught in discriminatory social attitudes towards African-Americans. He was a leader and spokesperson for the Civil Rights Movement. Laid slain by assassination in 1968, MLK was only able to realize part of his potential. Martin Luther King Jr. is the kind of hero whose story inspires Americans of all ages. Subsequently, authors have used his life as the subject for many works such as children's books, adult general interest biography, essay collections, and academic texts. There is much to appreciate about the life of Martin Luther King Jr.

In honor of the civil rights leader‘s birthday on January 15 here are 12 books on his life and legacy for readers of all ages:


12 Books About Martin Luther King Jr.


Book cover for Martin Luther King Jr., the Last Interview: And Other Conversations
Martin Luther King Jr., the Last Interview: And Other Conversations
King, Martin Luther Jr.

Book cover for Martin Rising: Requiem For a King
Martin Rising: Requiem For a King
Pinkney, Andrea Davis

Book cover for Kennedy and King: The President, the Pastor, and the Battle Over Civil Rights
Kennedy and King: The President, the Pastor, and the Battle Over Civil Rights
Levingston, Steven

Book cover for My Life, My Love, My Legacy
My Life, My Love, My Legacy
King, Coretta Scott

Book cover for Martin's Dream Day
Martin's Dream Day
Kelley, Kitty

Book cover for Death of a King: The Real Story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Final Year
Death of a King: The Real Story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Final Year
Smiley, Tavis

Book cover for Gospel of Freedom: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from Birmingham Jail and the Struggle that Changed a Nation
Gospel of Freedom: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter From Birmingham Jail and the Struggle that Changed a Nation
Rieder, Jonathan

Baptist minister, civil rights and nonviolent activist, Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested for unlawful political protests against racial segregation. On April 16, 1963, he wrote an open letter to the world, stating there is a moral obligation to break unjust laws, in nonviolent ways, instead of waiting forever for justice to come through the legal system.


Book cover for Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Rappaport, Doreen

Book cover for He Had a Dream: Martin Luther King Jr., and the Civil Rights Movement
He Had a Dream: Martin Luther King Jr., and the Civil Rights Movement
Schulke, Flip

Book cover for Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Garrow, David J.

Book cover for I Have a Dream
I Have a Dream
King, Martin Luther Jr.


 

 

 

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