The Library buildings may be closed today, but that doesn’t mean we’re leaving you high and dry on Martin Luther King Day. I’ve collected resources for all ages that you can use to learn about American hero Dr. Martin Luther King. All of these resources are available on demand with your library card and Hoopla. To get started, visit hoopladigital.com and create an account with your library card number and PIN (usually the last 4 digits of your phone number).
Young children
The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez, illustrated by Lauren Semmer (e-book). A beautiful alphabet picture book that presents key names, moments, and places in Black history with text lyrically written by poet Rio Cortez.
March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World by Christine King Farris, illustrated by London Ladd (animated book). Martin Luther King, Jr.’s sister presents a personal, stirring account of the remarkable day Dr. King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech and of the man who went on to inspire nation.
Martin Luther King, Jr. (I Can Read Level 2) by Sarah Albee, illustrated by Chin Ko (e-book). The life of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is introduced in this early reader biography.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by R.J. Bailey (e-book). In Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, young readers will learn about this American holiday and the ways people celebrate it.
Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier (animated book). Using quotes from some of his beloved speeches, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. comes to life in stunning collage art and vibrant watercolor paintings in this profound and important biography about beliefs and dreams and following one’s heart.
My Uncle Martin’s Big Heart by Angela Ferris Watkins, illustrated by Eric Velasquez (e-book). A moving portrait of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. from his niece.
Older children and teens
The Black American Journey series (e-books). This nonfiction series explores important moments, movements, and figures in Black history. The series includes titles about Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, as well as other topics like the Civil Rights Movement, Juneteenth, and Brown Vs. the Board of Education.
Chasing King’s Killer by James L. Swanson (e-audiobook). An astonishing account of the assassination of America’s most beloved and celebrated civil rights leader, Martin Luther King.
Martin Rising by Andrea Davis Pinkney (e-audiobook). In a rich embroidery of visions, musical cadence, and deep emotion, Andrea and Brian Pinkney convey the final months of Martin Luther King’s life — and of his assassination — through metaphor, spirituality, and multilayers of meaning.
Adults
The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross (PBS TV series). This six-hour PBS series explores the evolution of the African-American people, as well as the multiplicity of cultural institutions, political strategies, and religious and social perspectives they developed – forging their own history, culture and society against unimaginable odds.
Selma by Sharon J. Jackson (e-book). This pictorial nonfiction book looks at Selma, Alabama, and turning points in our history that happened there, from one of the last battles of the Civil War to the Voting Rights March that took place there in 1965.
The Seminarian: Martin Luther King Jr. Comes of Age by Patrick Parr (e-book). Martin Luther King Jr. was a cautious 19-year-old rookie preacher when he left Atlanta, Georgia, to attend seminary up north. Long passed over by biographers and historians, this three-year period in King’s life was vital in preparing him for his difficult road ahead.
