Happy Birthday Martin Luther King by: Jean Marzollo (nonfiction)

This is a picture book outlining the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and the work that he did while he was alive. The book begins with his birth and ends with his tragic death. The book touches on the issues of segregation and the laws that used to be in place. It talks about the good things that he did during his life such as standing up for what he believed in, helping others in need, and being a leader.  These lessons can also carry out in the classroom as you talk about the importance of leadership, equality and standing up for what's right.


I would use this book with a class during the time of Black History Month or the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. I think it is important for students to be educated on issues of racism and diversity, as well as knowing the real reason why we get a day off from school.  After reading the book, I would discuss with students MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech and go into a writing lesson by asking students to write about their own dreams for the future. I would ask them to also draw a picture at the bottom of the page and share with their classmates. Afterwards, I would display them in the hallway for everyone to see.