While many of us enjoyed a day free from work, many of us were celebrating the life of an ordinary man who had an extraordinary message. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired and continues to inspire people around the world with his powerful words and his timeless dream of kindness and equality. He is forever shared of his love and bravery towards equality in the children’s book series Ordinary People Change the World by Brad Meltzer, titled, “I am Martin Luther King, Jr.”
Children can aspire to be heroes everyday and be inspired by the true story and real life events shared at this age appropriate book on Dr. King’s life. The author, Brad Meltzer, shares antecdotal stories from Dr. King’s childhood as well as the controversial stories of inequality.
Even as a child, Martin Luther King, Jr. was shocked by the terrible and unfair way African-American people were treated. When he grew up, he decided to do something about it—peacefully, with powerful words. He helped gather people together for nonviolent protests and marches, and he always spoke up about loving other human beings and doing what’s right. He spoke about the dream of a kinder future, and bravely led the way toward racial equality in America.
My daughter absolutely loved this book! She is a tremendous fan of Martin Luther King, Jr. and in first grade she wrote a short essay about the awesomeness of this world changing man. Reading the book with her, I appreciate the strong, yet age appropriate message shared with kids. In a world filled with hurt feelings and political correctness, the book is on point to address the continued problem and issue of race inequality in America. I love that my kids read this short book and came and asked me questions on why children, adults and people of any and all age have been treated differently simply because the color of their skin.
We need the message of Martin Luther King, Jr. today and everyday. So while we took this past Monday as a singular day to celebrate his life, we ought to take each day to celebrate his message and dream that we are all one. If your family is like mine, they can collect all the Ordinary People Change the World book series where children can have a collection of stories of real life heroes like that of “I Am Martin Luther King, Jr.”
Martin Luther King Jr was more than just race relations. He was very much anti war (Vietnam) and for economic equality. He was much much more than the simplified version he has become.
I remember back when schools were integrated. I remember living down South at one point after living in the North and hearing all the public swimming pools were filled in due to integration.
I also think there is a great deal of difference how whites and blacks view King. To put it how its said nowdays ‘it’s complicated’
Ellen, YES! I think our educators and parents have watered down many of our influential and world changing heroes. We now celebrate such little things and the big things are brushed under the rug. He has become a simplified version and I think because he was such a powerful force in so many arena’s the details are amiss. I struggle that humans would treat one another so poorly, yet I know not everyone can look at the world through rainbow glasses of equality. You are right, things nowadays are “complicated.”
these look like some awesome books for young people
I love the idea for this book series! Such an influential and important man!
Martin Luther KIng is one of my favorite Americans ever!!! Yes, I know he was not perfect but I loved his ideals.
These are wonderful books for children and teach them how ordinary people can do extraordinary things and can make a difference.