January 6, 2025
As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it’s important to reflect on the enduring impact of the Civil Rights Movement and honor the legacy of Dr. King and countless others who fought for justice and equality. Martin Luther King Jr. Day reminds us of the progress made and the work still ahead, inspiring us to continue striving for a world built on love, fairness, and opportunity for all. To help young readers connect with this important history and draw inspiration from those who made change possible, we’ve put together a list of 11 must-read books. These stories not only capture the spirit of the movement but also ignite the power of empathy, courage, and hope, values that are at the heart of Dr. King’s dream.
I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Juvenile Nonfiction
Experience history with this picture book of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic 1963 speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington.
Love is Loud: How Diane Nash Led the Civil Rights Movement by Sandra Neil Wallace
Juvenile Nonfiction – Biography
Meet Diane Nash, a civil rights leader who worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis, in this poignant and powerful non-fiction picture book.
I Am Ruby Bridges by Ruby Bridges
Juvenile Nonfiction – Autobiography
In her own words, Ruby Bridges, tells the story of the momentous day in 1960 when she became the first black child to integrate the all-white William Franz Elementary as a six year old little girl.
Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper
Juvenile Historical Fiction – Middle Grade
Stella by Starlight is a depression-era novel about a young girl who must learn to be brave in the face of violent prejudice when the Ku Klux Klan reappears in her segregated southern town.
Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz
Juvenile Historical Fiction – Middle Grade
Written by the daughter of Malcom X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, Betty Before X depicts the life of young Betty before she became the wife of Malcolm X.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Juvenile Nonfiction – Autobiography
Brown Girl Dreaming is a verse memoir. It tells the story of the author’s early childhood life growing up as an African American girl in the 1960’s and depicts the events that led her to become a writer.
Coretta Scott by Ntozake Shange
Juvenile Nonfiction – Biography
Together with Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott helped lead change during the Civil Rights Movement through nonviolent protest. It was the beginning of a journey, with dreams of freedom for all.
March On!: The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World by Christine King Farris
Juvenile Nonfiction
From Dr. Martin Luther King’s sister, the definitive tribute to the man, the march, and the speech that changed a nation.
To Boldly Go: How Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek Helped Advance Civil Rights by Angela Dalton
Juvenile Nonfiction – Biography
To Boldly Go tells the true story of Nichelle Nichols and how she used her platform on Star Trek to inspire and recruit a new generation of diverse astronauts.
Juvenile Nonfiction
Discover the incredible life of Rosa Parks, the “Mother of the Freedom Movement.”
We Wait for the Sun by Dovey Johnson Roundtree
Juvenile Nonfiction
We Wait for the Sun is a beautiful and uplifting non-fiction picture book about trailblazing civil rights lawyer and activist Dovey Johnson Roundtree.
To place a hold on any of these books, click their titles to be directed to our catalog.
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