15 picture books to read with kids for MLK Day 2025: Recommendations for parents and educators

As MLK day approaches, it’s a good time to introduce kids to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his immense historical impact on the world.

There’s a variety of books available that examine complex issues like racism and inequality in a way that is easily understandable. In this post, we're sharing some of our favorite picture books that not only tell the story of Dr. King but also present the concept of fairness and standing up for what is right.

At Little Justice Leaders, we've worked with thousands of parents, caregivers, and educators to help educate kids about topics of social justice. We believe these books provide opportunities for meaningful conversations with children about MLK’s important contributions to society and allow for open discussions about race, discrimination, and the importance of equality.

Whether you’re a caregiver, educator, or someone who shapes little minds, these picture books will help you celebrate MLK’s legacy of nonviolent activism.

Let’s dive in.

1. Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream and You by Carole Boston Weatherford and James Ransome

This book introduces some of Dr. King’s most powerful principles as a model for readers to introduce into their own lives. By invoking some of his most enduring examples of persistence and justice, this book encourages a new generation of children to take charge and change the world without violence.

2. Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop by Alice Faye Duncan and R. Gregory Christie

A girl named Lorraine witnesses the Memphis sanitation strike - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s final stand for justice before his assassination - when her father, a sanitation worker, participated in the protest. Inspired by the memories of a teacher who participated in the strike as a child, this book uses poetry and prose to present the historic strike from the perspective of a young girl.

3. Martin & Mahalia by Andrea Davis Pinkney and J. Brian Pinkney

Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahalia Jackson were two giants of the civil rights movement. This book intertwines the stories of their lives and work, culminating in the 1963 Great March on Washington where their powerful voices were joined to change the course of history.

4. Love Will See You Through by Angela Farris Watkins and Sally Wern Comport

Growing up as the niece of Martin Luther King, Jr., Angela Farris Watkins witnessed firsthand the principles and values that King practiced and lived by throughout his fight for equality. Drawing from experiences and episodes both personal and well-known, Dr. Watkins presents the six universal principles that encompass the civil rights leader's greatest legacy.

5. Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport and Bryan Collier

When Martin was growing up, he saw the words "Whites Only" all over town. But he remembered the words of his mother, "You are as good as anyone." This award-winning biographical book uses quotes from some of his most important speeches to highlight the words that have become synonymous with the civil rights movement’s greatest icon.

6. When Martin Luther King Jr. Wore Roller Skates by Mark Weakland and Patrick Ballesteros

Martin Luther King Jr. led the American Civil Rights Movement. But do you know what he was like as a child? From roller skating to playing football and basketball, Martin was a fun-loving child. This playful story of his childhood will help young readers connect with a historic figure and will inspire them to want to achieve greatness.

7. Martin Luther King Jr. (Little People, Big Dreams series) by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Mai Ly Degnan

The first time it happened, young Martin was shocked when his friend’s mother wouldn’t let him in because he was black. He realized it was unfair, yet believed that no one should remain silent if something is wrong. And he promised himself that when he grew up he’d fight injustice with the most powerful weapon of all: words. This entry in the critically acclaimed Little People, Big Dreams series tells the story of how young MLK grew to become an activist.

8. Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King by Jean Marzollo and Brian Pinkney

This biography provides an introduction to the life of Dr. King, all the way from childhood to his tragic death. King's life and accomplishments are presented here with a dignity and simplicity that explains why he is honored in America with a special day.

9. I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King and Kadir Nelson

Dr. King’s famous August 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial is one of the most powerful and memorable speeches in our nation's history. Through the text of his monumental address, this beautifully-illustrated book reveals his insistent themes of equality and freedom for all continue to be truly relevant today. 

10. We March by Shane Evans

In August 1963 a remarkable event took place - more than 250,000 people gathered in our nation's capital to participate in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Later that day, Dr. King delivered his influential “I Have a Dream” speech that resonates to this day. This book tells the story of a family that participated in the march that historic day and celebrates all who dream of a better world.

11. Martin’s Dream Day by Kitty Kelley

Martin Luther King, Jr. was nervous. Standing at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial, he was about to address a quarter million people with what would become the most famous speech of his life. Bestselling author Kitty Kelley weaves her elegant storytelling with Stanley Tretick’s iconic photographs from that day to transport readers to the 1963 March on Washington, bringing the historic events vividly to life for a new generation.

12. Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson and Frank Morrison

Thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their rights in Birmingham, Alabama after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speak. They were protesting the laws that kept black people separate from white people. Using the point of view of a child, this award-winning book shows how these kids used their voices to change the world.

13. As Good as Anybody by Richard Michelson and Raúl Colón

This powerful book details how a Baptist preacher from Atlanta and a rabbi born in Poland came to stand together in the struggle for justice and equality. This is the story of how these two great men formed a remarkable friendship and turned their personal experiences of discrimination into a message of love and equality for all.

14. Pocket Bios: Martin Luther King, Jr. by Al Berenger

In this installment of the the popular Pocket Bios series, a concise presentation of Dr. King’s life and legacy is combined with colorful graphics and includes a timeline at the end that summarizes the content included. This book provides a terrific overview of the life of one of the most amazing humans that has ever lived.

15. I Am Martin Luther King, Jr. by Brad Meltzer and Chris Eliopoulos

In this fun biography series installment inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum, this describes how as a child, Martin was shocked by the terrible and unfair way African American people were treated. Written in first-person, this book shows how MLK went from an ordinary kid to one of the most important figures in world history.

Want more diverse book recommendations?

This is just the start! There are so many great diverse picture books to use with young learners. For many more diverse kids' book recommendations, grab our Big List of Diverse Picture Books.

Want to teach more in depth about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? 

Check out our "Celebrating Dr. MLK Jr." lesson plan for learners in grades K-5th.