You’re going to want to read these 5 Civil Rights Books for Children to your own kids — they are so important for everyone to know!
Here are five wonderful books that will help begin (and continue) the conversation about equality. But don’t let the conversation end here!
Be sure to check out even more age-appropriate Black History Month books about the African American experience.
You can find these civili rights books at your local library or purchase through the affiliate links provided for your convenience.
Books about Civil Rights for Kids
As a parent, I often wonder how to begin the discussion of civil rights with my children.
I believe it is incredibly important for them to learn from a young age about discrimination and treating all people as equals.
Personally, I have found that books are often a wonderful doorway to begin the discussion.
I hope it inspires you to make this year’s holiday not just a day off from school but a day to connect with your kids and share in the indomitable spirit and enduring legacy of Martin Luther King.
5 Civil Rights Books for Elementary Students
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.
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.
A stirring, dramatic story of a slave who mails himself to freedom by a Jane Addams Peace Award-winning author and a Coretta Scott King Award-winning artist.
Henry Brown doesn't know how old he is. Nobody keeps records of slaves' birthdays.
All the time he dreams about freedom, but that dream seems farther away than ever when he is torn from his family and put to work in a warehouse.
Henry grows up and marries, but he is again devastated when his family is sold at the slave market.
Then one day, as he lifts a crate at the warehouse, he knows exactly what he must do: He will mail himself to the North.
After an arduous journey in the crate, Henry finally has a birthday -- his first day of freedom.
From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King: “My father’s dream continues to live on from generation to generation, and this beautiful and powerful illustrated edition of his world-changing “I Have a Dream” speech brings his inspiring message of freedom, equality, and peace to the youngest among us — those who will one day carry his dream forward for everyone.”
It only takes a few words to create change. It only takes a few people to believe that change is possible.
When those people sing out, they can change the world.
“We Shall Overcome” is one of their songs.
From the song’s roots in America’s era of slavery through to the civil rights movement of the 1960s and today, “We Shall Overcome” has come to represent the fight for equality and freedom around the world.
This book is beautifully-rendered study of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, told in simple, straightforward language for even the youngest of readers to understand.
Pinkney’s scratchboard and oil pastel illustrations convey both the strength and gentleness of King’s character.
Both text and art carry his central message of peace and brotherhood among all people.
Don’t forget to see how other parents are sharing Martin Luther Kind Day with their kids.
I’m looking forward to checking out these books from our library. I believe books are very important to children as a way of learning. I prefer the books that teach our children history without the children knowing they are learning history. The books that are fun with beautiful photos are the ones that I look for and these books seem to be in that category.
Thank you for linking up at #InspireMeMondays ! I pinned your post to the Inspire Me Mondays group board at http://www.pinterest.com/morselsoflife/inspire-me-monday/
I own each one of these books and I think your right, these are all great conversation starter books. Although when I first read Henry’s Freedom Box to my second child the first time there were so many questions that I was not as prepared to answer as I thought. It did raise questions though and we had a conversation like never before. That was the first time I seen my child take a real interest in anything. Since that book she has learned as much about slavery as she could and has even took the steps to look up our family history. So if i had to pick a great book to kick start with it would be Henry’s Freedom Box.
Great list!
Henry’s Freedom Box is a terrific way to start. And it’s true… I’ve been taken off guard sometimes when reading because I’m not always prepared for some of these questions my kid throw at me — that often have complex answers. But only good has come of it.
very interesting post.
thank you so much for linking up with the #pinitparty