15 Spanish/English Picture Books about Martin Luther King Jr.
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Juliana Shoumbert
Hi! I'm a G/T Bilingual teacher (EC-6th), passionate about bilingual/dual language education and language learning.
Let's celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. by teaching our students about this inspiring leader, his perseverance and his determination. When making this list, I was excited to find a book written by MLK's son and authentic Spanish books including one by of my favorite children's book author, Alma Flor Ada.
I hope this list is helpful for you and your students. I wasn't able to find that many bilingual books about MLK so I divided the book list into the two languages. Don't forget to see the activities we have created for this topic.
15 ENGLISH/SPANISH PICTURE BOOKS ABOUT THE 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL
SPANISH PICTURE BOOKS:
1. Un libro illustrado de Martin Luther King, hijo by David A. Adler
A biography of the civil rights leader whose philosophy of nonviolent civil disobedience helped win many battles.
2. Celebra el día de Martin Luther King, Jr. con la clase de la Sra. Park by Alma Flor Ada
The students in Mrs. Park's class prepare to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. 's Day by thinking about the values he taught.
3. Monumento a Martin Luther King Jr. by Julie Murray
The title is complete with historical and modern images, bolded glossary terms, a More Facts page, and a picture glossary. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Translated by native Spanish speakers--and immersion school educators.
4. Día de Martin Luther King Jr. by Meredith Dash
Young readers will gather basic information about Martin Luther King Jr. Day through easy-to-read text alongside compelling and historical photographs.
5. Un día con Martin Luther King by
Meet two kids who travel in time and spend a day with him, in a short story with colorful illustrations.
6.¿Por qué celebramos El Día De Martin Luther King Jr.? by Michaela Seymour
In this informative book, readers will learn about the importance of the civil rights movement and why we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This essential book features accessible language that is ideal for children in the early stages of learning to read.
7. ¿Quién fue Martin Luther King, Jr.? (Spanish Edition)
The famous civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke out against racial and economic injustice until his death - from an assassin's bullet - in 1968. This tumultuous time in history comes to life in over 100 black-and-white illustrations that celebrate of this remarkable man.
8. Día de Martin Luther King, Jr. by R.J. Bailey
In Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, young readers will learn about this American holiday and the ways people celebrate it. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage emergent readers as they explore this unique holiday. .
9. Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. used peaceful protests to become one of the world's greatest African-American Civil Rights leaders. Readers will learn all about his interesting and inspiring life in this engaging biographical reader that features informational, Spanish-translated text, vibrant images and a timeline of King's life.
ENGLISH PICTURE BOOKS:
10. Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport
This picture-book biography is an excellent and accessible introduction for young readers to learn about one of the world's most influential leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Doreen Rappaport weaves the immortal words of Dr. King into a captivating narrative to tell the story of his life. With stunning art by acclaimed illustrator Bryan Collier, Martin's Big Words is an unforgettable portrait of a man whose dream changed America-and the world-forever. .
11. My First Biography: Martin Luther King, Jr. by Marion Dane Bauer
The MY FIRST BIOGRAPHY series brings the biggest life stories to the smallest readers. With simple, lyrical text and bold, kid-friendly illustrations, this book introduces Dr. King to the youngest readers and inspires them to change the world.
12. The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. by Johnny Ray Moore
This little book tells the story of Martin Luther King Jr. in a way that even very young children will understand. This simple but accurate account of his life begins with King's childhood, making it easy for little ones to relate to his story. Children will learn that he excelled in school, became a minister, and worked to end segregation in America. This book, with only about 200 words accompanied by delicate watercolors, is a great way for parents to begin to teach their children about this inspirational historical figure.
13. My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King III
What was it like growing up as a son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? This picture book memoir, My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King III, provides insight into one of history’s most fascinating families and into a special bond between father and son.
14. I am Martin Luther King, Jr. (Ordinary People Change the World) by Brad Meltzer
Even as a child, Martin Luther King, Jr. was shocked by the terrible and unfair way African-American people were treated. When he grew up, he decided to do something about it—peacefully, with powerful words. He helped gather people together for nonviolent protests and marches, and he always spoke up about loving other human beings and doing what’s right. He spoke about the dream of a kinder future, and bravely led the way toward racial equality in America.
15. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Robin Hill School) by Margaret McNamara
When Mrs. Conner's class learns about a great man, they discover their own dreams and hopes for a better world!
TIP FOR TEACHERS: If you have an awesome school librarian like I do, send her/him this list and/or check your local library to see how many books you can check out. If you want them for your personal library, simply click on the links and get them on amazon, you can see a list of all the books we have added so far here.
Activities
From learning stations to crowns, here are some of our highlights to celebrate the 100th day of school!
- Juliana Shoumbert
Comments 1
Kelly B.
Great list! Thank you so much.