Books For Kids: March On Washington
The Story of the Civil Rights March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in Photographs
By David Aretha
On August 28, 1963, more than 250,000 people descended on Washington, D.C. They came by bus, car, and bicycle. Some even walked hundreds of miles to be there. On that day, the massive crowd gathered to march, protest, sing, and support the Civil Rights Movement and to demonstrate that the time had come to end segregation in the South. To a captivated audience, Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke of his “dream” when African Americans would have equal rights. Through primary source photographs, author David Aretha explores the “greatest demonstration for freedom” in American history. 10-13 years
A Place to Land: Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Speech that Inspired a Nation
By Barry Wittenstein, Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Much has been written about Martin Luther King, Jr. and the 1963 March on Washington. But there’s little on his legendary speech and how he came to write it.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was once asked if the hardest part of preaching was knowing where to begin. No, he said. The hardest part is knowing where to end. “It’s terrible to be circling up there without a place to land.”
Finding this place to land was what Martin Luther King, Jr. struggled with, alongside advisors and fellow speech writers, in the Willard Hotel the night before the March on Washington, where he gave his historic “I Have a Dream” speech. But those famous words were never intended to be heard on that day, not even written down for that day, not even once. 7-10 years
We March
By Shane W. Evans
On August 28, 1963, a remarkable event took place. More than 250,000 people gathered in our nation’s capitol to participate in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The march began at the Washington Monument and ended with a rally at the Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech advocating racial harmony. Many words have been written about that day, but few so delicate and powerful as those presented here by author-illustrator Shane W. Evans. 4-8 years
What Was the March on Washington?
By Kathleen Krull, Illustrated by Tim Tomkinson
On August 28, 1963, more than 200,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C. to demand equal rights for all races. It was there that Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech and it was this peaceful protest that spurred the momentous civil rights laws of the mid-1960s. With black and white artwork throughout and sixteen pages of photographs, the March is brought to life. 8-12 years
Voices From the March on Washington
By J. Patrick Lewis and George Ella Lyon
The powerful poems in this collection weave together multiple voices to tell the story of the March on Washington in 1963. From the woman singing through a terrifying bus ride to D.C., to the teenager who came partly because his father told him, “Don’t you dare go to that march,” to the young child riding above the crowd on her father’s shoulders, each voice brings a unique perspective to this tale. As the characters tell their personal stories of this historic day, their chorus plunges readers into the experience of being at the march, walking shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers hearing Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous speech, and heading home inspired. 10-14 years
Dream March: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the March on Washington
By Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, Illustrated by Sally Wern Comport
Young readers can learn about one of the greatest civil rights leaders of all time. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in this Level 3 reader. Set against Dr. King’s historic March on Washington in the summer of 1963, a moving story and powerful illustrations combine to illuminate not only one of America’s most celebrated leaders, but also one of America’s most celebrated moments. 5-8 years
The March on Washington
By Bonnie Bader, Illustrated by Kelley McMorris
In 1963, people from all over the country came together to fight for equal rights for African Americans. The March on Washington was a peaceful protest and the setting for Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. But what did it take to get there? Learn about the inspiring people and incredible acts of courage that led to this historic march. Plus, American Girl Melody shares her own experiences growing up during the civil rights movement and dealing with discrimination. 7-10 years
March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World
By Christine King Farris, Illustrated London Ladd
From Dr. Martin Luther King’s sister, Christine, March On! is the definitive tribute to the man, the march, and the speech that changed a nation. 8-12 years
Martin Luther King, Jr. and the March on Washington
By Frances E. Ruffin, Illustrated by Stephen Marchesi
On August 28, 1963, more than 250,000 people came to the nation’s capitol. They came by plane, by bus, by car — even on roller skates — to speak out against segregation and to demand equal rights for everyone. They also came to hear the words of a very special leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. This book captures the spirit of this landmark day in American history and brings Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech to vivid life for young children. 6-8 years
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I Have a Dream Speech in Translation
By Leslie J. Holland
This book presents Dr. King’s speech and explains its meaning using everyday language. It describes the events that led to the speech and its significance through history. 8-10 years
The March on Washington:
A Primary Source Exploration of the Pivotal Protest
By Heather E. Schwartz
The March on Washington brought 200,000 people together. They spoke of equality for people of all races. They spoke of a dream for a better future. In this book, explore the points of views of the people who led the March on Washington and the people who opposed them through powerful primary sources and historical photos. 8-10 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
You may like: Books For Kids: Martin Luther King, Jr. at: https://barbaralowell.com/kids-books-martin-luther-king-jr
Books For Kids: Civil Rights Movement at: https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-civil-rights-movement
March on Washington For Kids: https://www.ducksters.com/history/civil_rights/march_on_washington.php
Kids Books: Coretta Scott King
Coretta Scott
By Ntozake Shange, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Walking many miles to school in the dusty road, young Coretta Scott knew the unfairness of life in the segregated south. A yearning for equality began to grow. Together with Martin Luther King, Jr., she gave birth to a vision of change through nonviolent protest. It was the beginning of a journey with dreams of freedom for all. 4-8 years
Coretta Scott King: First Lady of Civil Rights
By George E. Stanley, Illustrated by Meryl Henderson
Coretta Scott King is well known for being the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and for her own civil rights and world peace activism. She also received many awards and honorary degrees. But before she did all of those impressive things, Coretta was a strong little girl who could out climb anyone in her neighborhood, was very close to her dad, and had a beautiful singing voice. Coretta learned that if you work hard enough, your dreams can come true. 8-12 years
Who Was Coretta Scott King
By Gail Herman, Illustrated by Gregory Copeland
Growing up in Alabama, Coretta Scott King graduated valedictorian from her high school before becoming one of the first African American students at Antioch College in Ohio. It was there that she became politically active and joined the local chapter of the NAACP. After her marriage to Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta took part in the Civil Rights Movement. Following her husband’s assassination in 1968, she assumed leadership of the movement. 8-12 years
Coretta Scott King: Dare to Dream
By Angela Shelf Medearis, Illustrated by Anna Rich
From her childhood encounters with discrimination to her activism as an adult, Coretta Scott King dreamed of finding a place where people were treated equally. This biography tells the story of how she came to stand up against prejudice and violence during the African American Civil Rights Movement. 8-12 years
Women Who Broke the Rules: Coretta Scott King
By Kathleen Krull, Illustrated by Laura Freeman
Coretta Scott King, the wife of civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr., established her own career in activism. She took part in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, worked to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and founded the Center for Nonviolent Change. She dedicated her life to fighting for civil rights. 6-9 years
A Book To Share With Kids:
My Life, My Love, My Legacy
By Coretta Scott King and Rev. Dr. Barbara Reynolds
Coretta’s is a love story, a family saga, and the memoir of an extraordinary black woman in 20th century America. She was a brave leader, who, in the face of hatred, stood committed, proud, forgiving, nonviolent, and hopeful every day of her life.
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
You may like:
Kids Books: Civil Rights Movement https://barbaralowell.com/kids-books-civil-rights-movement
Books For Kids: Martin Luther King, Jr. https://barbaralowell.com/kids-books-martin-luther-king-jr
Kids Books: Civil Rights Movement
If You Were a Kid in the Civil Rights Movement
By Gwendolyn Hooks, Illustrated by Kelly Kennedy
Joyce Jenkins has recently moved to a new town with her family. She will soon be attending a segregated school for the first time. Connie Underwood is trying to figure out what her twin brothers are planning in secret. The two girls find themselves in the middle of a civil rights demonstration. The fight for equality will the country forever.
Let the Children March
By Monica Clark-Robinson, Illustrated by Frank Morrison
I couldn’t play on the same playground as the white kids.
I couldn’t go to their schools.
I couldn’t drink from their water fountains.
There were so many things I couldn’t do.
In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their civil rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. They protested the laws that kept black people separate from white people. Facing fear, hate, and danger, these children used their voices to change the world. Frank Morrison’s emotive oil-on-canvas paintings bring this historical event to life, while Monica Clark-Robinson’s moving and poetic words document this remarkable time.
What Is the Civil Rights Movement
By Sherri L. Smith, Illustrated by Tim Foley
Even though slavery had ended in the 1860s, African Americans were still suffering under the weight of segregation a hundred years later. They couldn’t go to the same schools, eat at the same restaurants, or even use the same bathrooms as white people. But by the 1950s, black people refused to remain second-class citizens and were willing to risk their lives to make a change. Author Sherri L. Smith brings to life momentous events through the words and stories of people who were on the front lines of the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. 8-12 years
Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins
By Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue
There were signs all throughout town telling eight-year-old Connie where she could and could not go. But when Connie sees four young men take a stand for equal rights at a Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, she realizes that things may soon change. This event sparks a movement throughout her town and region. And while Connie is too young to march or give a speech, she helps her brother and sister make signs for the cause. Changes are coming to Connie’s town, but Connie just wants to be able to sit at the lunch counter and eat a banana split like everyone else.
The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks,
A Young Civil Rights Activist
By Cynthia Levinson, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Nine-year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks intended to go places and do things like anybody else. So when she heard grown-ups talk about wiping out Birmingham’s segregation laws, she spoke up. As she listened to the preacher’s words, smooth as glass, she sat up tall. And when she heard the plan: picket those white stores, march to protest those unfair laws, and fill the jails — she stepped right up and said, “I’ll do it. Audrey Faye Hendricks was confident and bold and brave as can be. Hers is the remarkable and inspiring story of one child’s role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Child of the Civil Rights Movement
By Paula Young Shelton, Illustrated by Raul Colon
Paula Young Shelton, daughter of Civil Rights activist, Andrew Young, brings a child’s unique perspective to an important chapter in America’s history. Paula grew up in the deep south, in a world where whites had and blacks did not. With an activist father and a community of leaders surrounding her, including Uncle Martin (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,) Paula watched and listened to the struggles. She eventually joined with her family, and thousands of others, in the historic march from Selma to Montgomery.
Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation
By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by Brian Pinkney
Rosa Parks took a stand by keeping her seat on the bus. When she was arrested, her supporters protested by refusing to ride. Soon a community of thousands came together to help each other. Some started taxi services, some rode bikes, but many walked. After 382 days, they walked Jim Crow laws right out of town. Boycott Blues presents a poignant, blues-infused tribute to the men and women of the Montgomery bus boycott who refused to give up until they got justice.
Freedom Summer
By Deborah Wiles, Illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue
Joe and John Henry are a lot alike. They both like shooting marbles, they both want to be firemen, and they both love to swim. But there’s one important way they’re different, Joe is white and John Henry is black. In the South in 1964, John Henry isn’t allowed to do everything his best friend is. Then a law is passed that forbids segregation. The town pool opens to everyone. Joe and John Henry are so excited they race each other to the pool, only to discover that it takes more than a new law to change people’s hearts.
We March
By Shane W. Evans
On August 26, 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. The march began at the Washington Memorial and ended with a rally at the Lincoln Memorial, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech. The thrill of this day is brought to life in We March, even for the youngest reader.
Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer
By Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Ekua Holmes
“I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.”
Despite fierce prejudice and abuse, even being beaten to within an inch of her life, Fannie Lou Hamer was a champion of civil rights from the 1950s until her death in 1977. Integral to the Freedom Summer of 1964, Ms. Hamer gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention that, despite President Johnson’s interference, aired on national TV news and spurred the nation to support the Freedom Democrats. Featuring vibrant mixed-media art full of intricate detail, Voice of Freedom celebrates Fannie Lou Hamer’s life and legacy with a message of hope, determination, and strength. 10-13 years
A Sweet Smell of Roses
By Angela Johnson, Illustrated by Eric Velazquez
There’s a sweet smell in the air as two young girls sneak out of their house, down the street, and across town to where men and women are gathered, ready to march for freedom and justice. A Sweet Smell of Roses is inspired by countless children and young adults who took a stand and participated in the Civil Rights Movement.
The book descriptions used are primarily the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
You may like: Kids Books: Martin Luther King, Jr. https://barbaralowell.com/kids-books-martin-luther-king-jr
Mahalia Jackson Her Words Changed History https://barbaralowell.com/mahalia-jacksons-words