“Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”
Monday, January 19, 2026, is the 40th anniversary of the federal observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Many people aren’t aware of why or how the day came to be. One of the books on the list is an authentic account from a Black activist who was one of many people who fought to make King’s birthday a federal holiday. Kathlyn J. Kirkwood’s Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round: My Story of the Making of Martin Luther King Day (Versify, 2022) is described as a “brilliant memoir-in-verse…a deeply moving middle grade memoir about what it means to be an everyday activist…for racial justice.” This is an exceptional time for teaching and learning, for parents, educators, and community leaders to share King’s message and emulate his confidence, persistence, courage, intelligence, and leadership. See MLK Day (Part I) 12 Picture Books for more inspirational books for young readers.
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1. Dream March: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the March on Washington
Vaunda Micheaux Nelson | Sally Wern Comport | Random House BYR | December 26, 2017 | ChpBk | Amazon | Bookshop
2. She Persisted: Coretta Scott King
Kelly Starling Lyons | Gillian Flint | Philomel Books | January 4, 2022 | Chp Bk | Amazon | Bookshop
3. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Christine Taylor-Butler | Children’s Press | February 1, 2019 | ChpBk | Amazon | Bookshop
4. The Story of Martin Luther King Jr.
Christine Platt | Rockridge Press | September 7, 2021 | ChpBk | Amazon | Bookshop
5. Martin Rising: Requiem for a King
Andrea Davis Pinkney | Brian Pinkney | Scholastic Press | January 2, 2018 | MG | Amazon | Bookshop
6. Trailblazers: Martin Luther King, Jr.: Fighting for Civil Rights
Christine Platt | Random House BYR | December 8, 2020 | MG | Amazon | Bookshop
7. Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X: The Fatal Friendship (A Young Readers Adaptation of Blood Brothers)
Randy Roberts | Johnny Smith | Margeaux Weston | Christy Ottaviano Books | October 3, 2023 | MG | Amazon | Bookshop
8. Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round: My Story of the Making of Martin Luther King Day
Kathlyn J. Kirkwood | Steffi Walthall | Versify | January 4, 2022 | MG | Amazon | Bookshop
9. King: A Life (Young Adult Edition)
Yohuru Williams | Michael G. Long | Jonathan Eig | Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) | January 7, 2025 | YA | Amazon | Bookshop
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