I am Brave: A Little Book about Martin Luther King, Jr. written by Brad Meltzer and Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos is a Martin Luther King book for kids that tackles a big and important person in American history — Dr. Martin Luther King Junior.
Adults already know that MLK Jr. was the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. He is best known for advancing civil rights through nonviolence and encouraging civil disobedience. In this friendly and colorful book, kids will learn some of his story. Mom says the book is a biography. I say it has short sentences and talks a lot about dreams and things being the same or equal for everybody. We read the book many times, especially since Mom was explaining why January 17th is a special holiday to remember MLK Jr. I liked that the story rhymed and that he insisted kids be brave and do what’s right. MLK Jr. liked to read and I liked that we had that in common. Mom liked the message of unity and of lifting each other up.
While I didn’t notice right away, it was a little weird that as a boy in the book MLK Jr. had a mustache and looked the same way he did as a grown up. Mom and Dad talked about this for a while, as they found it confusing. In the end, my parents thought it must’ve been a thoughtful decision to make sure I quickly connected with MLK Jr and didn’t ask them “who is that?” when he looked different later. All in all, a great intro to a remarkable person.
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Have you read I am Brave: A Little Book about Martin Luther King, Jr. yet? What was your favorite part about this Martin Luther King book for kids? Please let me know on social media!
