Series: Usborne Famous Lives Series.
Subject Areas: History.
Ages: 6 7 8 9 10 11 12.
Type: Biography, Non-fiction Readers

This book is an excellent combination of the story of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the very serious challenge the United States has had with racism and desegregation. Some of the stories, and a couple of the photos, are chilling but age-appropriate. I'm old enough to remember the disturbing feelings I had about separate facilities and the disrespectful way in which African Americans were treated, when we'd visit my relatives in the South. My children, growing up in a very racially mixed area, have no clue what it was like even as recently as 30 years ago. This book has helped them to understand, and want to live differently, than the previous generations.

Chapter One gives us a glimpse of Martin's parents and their hopes and prayers for his life. Chapter Two lets us look into Martin's young world, with both humorous and painful experiences. The next two chapters show a dedicated and motivated young man working hard to discern his place in fighting racism. He was a very hard worker -- I love this example for young people to emulate. He chose well when he decided to ask Coretta Scott to marry him, and she supported his decision to go back to the South for a purpose, even though she knew it was the difficult thing to do.

The rest of the book shares in detail the triumphs and the defeats Martin experienced, as well as his tragic death. I appreciate that the overall tone of the book is one of hope and change. The last page is a timeline of the important years of Martin Luther King's life. Like the others, this book has Internet Links for more info.

Purchase


Of Interest To: Librarians and Media Specialists, Parents, Teachers