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

Famous Fala, The President’s Dog

President Franklin Roosevelt’s Scottish terrier, Fala, appeared in newspaper photos around the world. He was so well-known that the Secret Service gave him the code name “The Informer.” When people spotted him, they knew the president was close by. Fala traveled everywhere with the president by ship, train, and car.

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Posing for photographers

Fala was born on April 7, 1940. A gift to President Roosevelt, he moved into the White House in November that year. The president named him Murray the Outlaw of Falahill after a Scottish ancestor. But the puppy was too small for such a big name. The president immediately shortened it.

An exceptionally friendly dog, Fala received lots of attention. He liked to show off his tricks to White House visitors: rolling over, jumping up, speaking, lying down, and his favorite, begging. But he never let the attention go to his head. He was a down-to-earth dog.

Fala liked to dig holes in the White House lawn, burying and digging up his bones. And he was always ready to chase the White House squirrels. At night, he slept beside the president’s bed. In the morning he enjoyed a dog biscuit when the president ate his breakfast.

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He received lots of fan mail, especially from children. He starred in two short films produced by MGM. His biography, The True Story of Fala was published when he was only two years old. He was also named an honorary army private. And he was given the title President of Barkers for Britain. He had campaigned to have American dog owners donate money to help the British people in World War II. 

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At Hyde Park with the president and a caretaker’s daughter

Fala died on April 5, 1952. He is buried in the rose garden at Hyde Park. In 1997, a memorial to President Roosevelt was dedicated near the National Mall in Washington, D.C. A statue of Fala is forever at President Roosevelt’s side.

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The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C.

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

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First Dog Fala

By Elizabeth Van Steenwyk, Illustrated by Michael G. Montgomery