DK Biography: Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Photographic Story of a Life

This is an extraordinary book, sharing the human struggles for freedom from oppression, details of "how" to proceed in order for positive change to prevail, and cites incredible examples to teach our children until humanity is viewed equally, rather than judged unethically. This is a book that would do well for our children to read. The examples of courage, the kind that comes from the heart, and endures no matter how dark appearances seem to be shows that anyone can prevail when truth is sought over might. The book is inspiring, and a light for all.

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today!" ~Martin Luther King, Jr. Amy Pastan has created a photographic story with fascinating details and a fresh perspective based on the latest research. Through reading this biography, children will learn about inhumane segregation laws and why racism is wrong. Definition boxes teach children about nonviolent resistance or grassroots movements. After a trip to India, Martin decided to use Gandhi's nonviolent methods to promote change. This book teaches children that there are ways to change the world without violence and it also shows how resilient you have to be to see change occur in your lifetime. What is really striking about this book is the stories of how students endured such hatred in order to achieve their goals. Amy Pastan also tells the story of how Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote his famous "Letter from a Birmingham Jail." In this letter he wrote: " Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed." There are inspiring stories of great bravery as children take to the streets to protest and demand their freedom. As men march with bold signs that read: "I Am a Man," demonstrators start to demand to be respected as a human being. On the last few pages, the author explains why Martin Luther King's birthday has become an occasion where students learn about civil rights and why many dedicate the day to spiritual reflection or sponsor activities that promote change. "Our dreams will sometimes be shattered and our ethereal hopes blasted....Difficult and painful as it is, we must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future." ~Martin Luther King, Jr. ~The Rebecca Review