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: Martin Luther King, Jr.

I Have A Dream

By Martin Luther King, Jr., Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

On August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave one of the most powerful and memorable speeches in our nation’s history. His words, paired with Caldecott Honor winner Kadir Nelson’s magnificent paintings, make for a picture book certain to be treasured by children and adults. The themes of equality and freedom for all are not only relevant today, fifty years later, but also provide young readers with an important introduction to our nation’s past. (Audio CD included)

A Place to Land

By Barry Wittenstein, Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

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 he struggled with, alongside advisers 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

My Little Golden Book About Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Bonnie Bader, Illustrated by Sue Cornelison

Learn all about Martin Luther King Jr. Day with this Little Golden Book biography all about the civil rights leader! The perfect introduction to nonfiction for preschoolers. This Little Golden Book captures the essence of Martin Luther King, Jr. for the littlest readers. They’ll learn how his childhood in segregated Atlanta—and in his father’s church—shaped the future civil rights leader. And they’ll gain a clear understanding of the way he became an eloquent, powerful voice for African Americans. 2-5 years

My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Martin Luther King, III, Illustrated by A.G.

What was it like growing up as a son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? This picture book memoir provides insight into one of history’s most fascinating families and into a special bond between father and son. His son gives an intimate look at the man and the father behind the civil rights leader. Mr. King’s remembrances show both his warm, loving family and a momentous time in American history.

Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968

By Alice Faye Duncan, Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

In February 1968, two African American sanitation workers were killed by unsafe equipment in Memphis, Tennessee. Outraged at the city’s refusal to recognize a labor union that would fight for higher pay and safer working conditions, sanitation workers went on strike. The strike lasted two months, during which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was called to help with the protests.

While his presence was greatly inspiring to the community, this unfortunately would be his last stand for justice. He was assassinated in his Memphis hotel the day after delivering his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” sermon in Mason Temple Church. Inspired by the memories of a teacher who participated in the strike as a child, author Alice Faye Duncan reveals the story of the Memphis sanitation strike from the perspective of a young girl with a riveting combination of poetry and prose. Picture book, 9-12 years

Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Peaceful Leader

By Sarah Albee, Illustrated by Chin Ko

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed it was possible to change the world with peaceful protest. His powerful words and actions helped the civil rights movement achieve many great changes. His incredible leadership is still remembered and celebrated today.

Beginning readers will learn about the milestones in Martin Luther King Jr.’s life in this Level Two I Can Read biography, which combines a traditional, illustrated narrative with historical photographs at the back of book—complete with a timeline, illustrations, and interesting facts.

Martin Luther King Jr.: A Peaceful Leader is a Level Two I Can Read, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. 4-8 years

Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King

By Jean Marzollo, Illustrated by J. Brian Pinkney

This book is a beautifully rendered study of Dr. King’s life told in simple, straightforward language for even the youngest readers. The illustrations convey both the strength and gentleness of Dr. King’s character. This book carries his central message of peace and brotherhood among all people. 

Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Brian Collier

Doreen Rappaport weaves the immortal words of Dr. King into a captivating narrative to tell the story of his life. With stunning art by acclaimed illustrator Bryan Collier, this book is an unforgettable portrait of a man whose dream changed America.

Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.?

By Bonnie Bader, Illustrated by Nancy Harrison

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was only twenty-five when he helped organize the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Soon he was organizing African Americans across the country in support of desegregation, and civil rights. Maintaining nonviolent and peaceful tactics even when his life was threatened, Dr. King was also an advocate for the poor and spoke out against racial and economic injustice. 

Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song

By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by Brian Pinkney

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. His strong voice and powerful message were joined and lifted in song by world-renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. It was a moment that changed the course of history and is imprinted in minds forever. The stories of these two powerful voices and lives are told side-by-side — as they would one day walk — following the journey from their youth to a culmination at this historical event when they united as one. This book inspires kids to find their own voices and speak up for what is right.

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 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 life for young children.

Martin Luther King, Jr. 

By Kitson Jazynka

In this Level 2 biography, readers will learn about the fascinating life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

The book descriptions used are primarily the publishers.

You may like: Books for Kids: Civil Rights Movement https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-civil-rights-movement

Books for Kids: Coretta Scott King https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-coretta-scott-king

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

Mahalia Jackson Her Words Changed History

On an August day in 1963, under the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial gospel singer Mahalia Jackson told Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to “Tell them about the dream Martin. Tell them about the dream.”

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Mahalia Jackson Sings At The March On Washington

Mahalia Jackson was a close friend of Dr. King and an important voice for the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King had spoken to Mahalia about his dream that all Americans would someday be judged by their character and not the color of their skin. On August 28, 1963, at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Mahalia sang the spiritual, “I Been ‘Buked and I Been Scorned,” a favorite of Dr. King. When she had finished, Dr. King spoke.

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Dr. King Speaking Before A Crowd

Dr. King read from the speech he had prepared with the help of speech writer Clarence B. Jones. At about eleven minutes into his speech, Mahalia asked him to tell the people about his dream for America, the one she remembered hearing. Dr. King stopped reading, paused for awhile, and then spoke the words we know as his “I Have A Dream” speech — one of the most powerful and influential speeches in American history.

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In their book, Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song, Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkey tell the story of how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahalia Jackson’s friendship changed the course of history. 

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:

Marian Anderson Let Freedom Sing: https://barbaralowell.com/marian-anderson-let-freedom-sing

Kids Books: Martin Luther King, Jr. https://barbaralowell.com/kids-books-martin-luther-king-jr

Books For Kids: March on Washington https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-march-on-washington

Books For Kids: Civil Rights Movement https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-civil-rights-movement

Listen to Dr. King speak at the March on Washington. At about 12:00 minutes into the video, you will hear a long pause and then Dr. King will begin the “I Have A Dream” portion of his speech.