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DK Biography
DK Biography: Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Photographic Story of a Life
Tells the amazing story of struggle and triumph of one of the greatest Civil Rights leaders, Martin Luther King, Jr. In this groundbreaking new series, DK brings together fresh voices and DK design values to give readers the most information-packed, visually exciting biographies on the market today. Full-color photographs of people, places, and artifacts, definitions of key words, and sidebars on related subjects add dimension and relevance to stories of famous lives that students will love to read. Supports the Common Core State Standards.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
13 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Amy Pastan
35 books5 followersAmy Pastan is an independent writer, editor, and book producer. She is former acquisitions editor for art and humanities at the Smithsonian Institution Press. She lives in the metropolitan D.C. area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 21, 2021
Well written biography. Lots of photographs, a timeline of events and sources for further study included.
November 17, 2022
This is a really good book because it shows us that it doesn't matter if we're black or white. I like Martin Luther King Jr fighting for the rights of black people.
November 1, 2023
so informative and yet doesn't feel like a boring textbook of history. The way Pastan writes King's life is so engaging! I know this book is for middle school aged students, but honestly I found it very mature and well written. Didn't learn anything new because I already studied him and the Black Civil Rights movement in school, but its was such a great reminder of all the ways he contributed to it.
August 4, 2025
a emotional read, tolerance of everybody from every race is better for humanity.
March 2, 2018
5/5 stars
A very short retelling of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life story. A really moving book that shook me from within. It hurts me to think that race could have ever been, and even today in some cases/places, such a huge source of discrimination and riots. The bloodshed and the tolerance, Martin Luther's King's relentless protest against racism and violence truly changed how I looked at the world earlier today before I picked the book up. I honestly understand what his famous "I have a dream" speech really meant, now. I enjoyed every bit of the book. I felt the pain etched within the pages. :/
A very short retelling of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life story. A really moving book that shook me from within. It hurts me to think that race could have ever been, and even today in some cases/places, such a huge source of discrimination and riots. The bloodshed and the tolerance, Martin Luther's King's relentless protest against racism and violence truly changed how I looked at the world earlier today before I picked the book up. I honestly understand what his famous "I have a dream" speech really meant, now. I enjoyed every bit of the book. I felt the pain etched within the pages. :/
August 7, 2017
Since his life was the civil rights movement of the time, there isn't much more to talk about. I wasn't looking for anything scandalous but I thought more about his family might be mentioned, not that they were ignored. I liked the legacy chapter.
February 23, 2023
I started reading this book with my son. But when the dialog started getting too violent for him, I finished the book on my own.
I learned a lot more about Martin Luther King, Jr. while reading this book. I was astonished about all the riots and violence towards people who wanted change.
I learned a lot more about Martin Luther King, Jr. while reading this book. I was astonished about all the riots and violence towards people who wanted change.
January 30, 2019
Un bello libro muy bien redactado con todo un sentimiento histórico y Real . Muy recomendable.
March 28, 2021
Informative.
April 25, 2021
A good overview for middle school readers.
Read
May 19, 2022Great
July 11, 2023
MLK. the king of peaceful but effective protests
July 17, 2023
Pretty good book for what it was meant for.
October 7, 2025
A short but interesting biography.
March 1, 2017
Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1929. He attended Booker T. Washington High School where he skipped two grades. King started his college degree at the age of fifteen. After getting his degree Martin Luther King Jr. became a Baptist minister. In 1953 King married Coretta Scott, and later they had four children.
Martin Luther King Jr. led the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 as his first major civil rights action. He helped to organize a boycott of the public transportation system after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man. The boycott lasted over a year. During this time Martin was arrested and his house was bombed. Martin’s boycott helped to stop segregation on the Montgomery busses and brought him deeper into the public light.
1n 1963 Martin organized the famous “March on Washington”. Over 250,000 people marched in hopes to end segregation in public schools, have protection from police abuse, and to get laws passed that would prevent employment discrimination. Martin gave his “I Have a Dream” speech at this march which has become one of the most famous speeches in history.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a preacher and talented public speaker who used nonviolent boycotts while seeking equality for African Americans, the economically disadvantaged and victims of injustice during the 1950’s and 1960’s. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He was the youngest person to ever receive this high honor. On April 4, 1968 King was assassinated while standing on the balcony of his hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. He is remembered each year on the third Monday of January as the nation celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a United States federal holiday since 1986.
The overall theme of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life was peace and equality. He modeled his life after Gandhi who believed people could make a difference without the use of violence. King’s first major civil rights leadership role involved people simply boycotting the busses. The bus boycott made a much stronger point than arguments or fighting ever could. Martin also led a massive march in Washington for equality. He believed that “All men are created equal.” Martin fought to end segregation and wanted fair treatment for all from police and for the economically disadvantaged. Martin Luther King Jr. was an amazing orator who consistently preached about the importance of peace and equality in the 1950s and 1960s. Martin Luther King Jr. helped to bring peace and equality to America.
Martin Luther King Jr. led the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 as his first major civil rights action. He helped to organize a boycott of the public transportation system after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man. The boycott lasted over a year. During this time Martin was arrested and his house was bombed. Martin’s boycott helped to stop segregation on the Montgomery busses and brought him deeper into the public light.
1n 1963 Martin organized the famous “March on Washington”. Over 250,000 people marched in hopes to end segregation in public schools, have protection from police abuse, and to get laws passed that would prevent employment discrimination. Martin gave his “I Have a Dream” speech at this march which has become one of the most famous speeches in history.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a preacher and talented public speaker who used nonviolent boycotts while seeking equality for African Americans, the economically disadvantaged and victims of injustice during the 1950’s and 1960’s. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He was the youngest person to ever receive this high honor. On April 4, 1968 King was assassinated while standing on the balcony of his hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. He is remembered each year on the third Monday of January as the nation celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a United States federal holiday since 1986.
The overall theme of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life was peace and equality. He modeled his life after Gandhi who believed people could make a difference without the use of violence. King’s first major civil rights leadership role involved people simply boycotting the busses. The bus boycott made a much stronger point than arguments or fighting ever could. Martin also led a massive march in Washington for equality. He believed that “All men are created equal.” Martin fought to end segregation and wanted fair treatment for all from police and for the economically disadvantaged. Martin Luther King Jr. was an amazing orator who consistently preached about the importance of peace and equality in the 1950s and 1960s. Martin Luther King Jr. helped to bring peace and equality to America.
August 22, 2022
As an Australian I found educational & MLKJ's work inspiring. It is a quick read, suitable for teenagers but not unsuitable for adults. The photos are decent but I wanted more of them. I have no idea if this book left out any important historical details. It seemed to cover the main events of MLKJ's life & work. It possibly could have commented more on the books he has written. Helpful overview.
June 13, 2013
The authors purpose of writing this book was to inform and persuade in a numerous way. She was giving information on Martin Luther King as if people can do what they believe in. She also explained his whole background. She Talks about the things that other authors may not mention about him. The reason why I think she is informing people is because it takes pride to make history like this. Martin was able to do it.
When it comes to reading this book the audiance may react in a deep source of manner. Martin was smart and he jus wanted things to be equal. Amy Pastan is showing that this book is well written and it helps out in a such way. The book will actually have long lasting value. Many people still read about Martin Luther King today. The history he made is just incredible to do. Most people wouldn't be brave enough to step foward and complete something like this. I know this book will be read over and over because its a great thing to know about.
This book is well written. Amy Pastan shows a lot of organization when reading this book. You might also come across some words that will mean something in a deep way. Another thing is she makes the book more complex in situations. Something people can stand out to. The book can be very captivating. You can catch a lot of attention while reading this book.
I related to Martin Luther King because he stood up for what he believed in and thats hard to do for some people. Some people would down themselves because of what others might say. I did not find it boring at all. It was interesting because it tells that you can do what you want, you just have to put levels into it. It was a serious book because everything was actually true. It showed a various meaning.
The greatest strength about this book is that Martin Luther King is showed in a good manner. It tells that he was confident in everything he did. He actually showed a way in people that anything can be done. As long you work on what you do then you will succeed. The weakest strength in this book is actually not in the book. The book overall is good. I would recommend this book to a friend because it shows a lot that can be done in life. It also tells a message that people should look into. I know this is a great book and it will be good to share with others even if they dont like reading biography's.
When it comes to reading this book the audiance may react in a deep source of manner. Martin was smart and he jus wanted things to be equal. Amy Pastan is showing that this book is well written and it helps out in a such way. The book will actually have long lasting value. Many people still read about Martin Luther King today. The history he made is just incredible to do. Most people wouldn't be brave enough to step foward and complete something like this. I know this book will be read over and over because its a great thing to know about.
This book is well written. Amy Pastan shows a lot of organization when reading this book. You might also come across some words that will mean something in a deep way. Another thing is she makes the book more complex in situations. Something people can stand out to. The book can be very captivating. You can catch a lot of attention while reading this book.
I related to Martin Luther King because he stood up for what he believed in and thats hard to do for some people. Some people would down themselves because of what others might say. I did not find it boring at all. It was interesting because it tells that you can do what you want, you just have to put levels into it. It was a serious book because everything was actually true. It showed a various meaning.
The greatest strength about this book is that Martin Luther King is showed in a good manner. It tells that he was confident in everything he did. He actually showed a way in people that anything can be done. As long you work on what you do then you will succeed. The weakest strength in this book is actually not in the book. The book overall is good. I would recommend this book to a friend because it shows a lot that can be done in life. It also tells a message that people should look into. I know this is a great book and it will be good to share with others even if they dont like reading biography's.
July 13, 2013
Martin Luther King, Jr.: A photographic story of a life.
By Amy Pastan. DK Publishing, 2004. 128 pages.
Genre: Nonfiction biography
Series information: DK Biographies
Recommended age level: Young adult (13+ years)
Subjects and themes: Martin Luther King Jr., African Americans, civil rights movement, 20th century American history, segregation, Jim Crow laws, nonviolent resistance, hope, freedom, racism, hate
This biography tells the remarkable life story of Martin Luther King, Jr., a leader of America's civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Having grown up in the South at a time when the Jim Crow laws and general ignorance and hatred denied black people the same basic rights as white people, King organized peaceful, nonviolent protests to fight this injustice. Gaining support for his cause, he worked tirelessly until his assassination in 1968.
What a page-turner! This biography is so jam-packed with information, but it never seems to get bogged down or dull. The writing is interesting and fast-paced, and every page contains fascinating full-colour pictures. The definition boxes are a wonderful addition to the book, explaining difficult words like "de facto segregation." I really enjoyed the brief sidebars on related subjects (i.e. Black Panther Party) and historical figures (i.e. Rosa Parks), as well as the timeline of "Events in the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr." found at the back of the book.
It was interesting to read about King's early life in the South. Discovering details about his childhood, family, schooling, and preaching helps the reader to better understand his motivations later on in life. I truly found this account of Martin Luther King's life to be gripping and fascinating, and would highly recommend it to any young person wishing to learn more about this historical figure.
Genre: Nonfiction biography
Series information: DK Biographies
Recommended age level: Young adult (13+ years)
Subjects and themes: Martin Luther King Jr., African Americans, civil rights movement, 20th century American history, segregation, Jim Crow laws, nonviolent resistance, hope, freedom, racism, hate
This biography tells the remarkable life story of Martin Luther King, Jr., a leader of America's civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Having grown up in the South at a time when the Jim Crow laws and general ignorance and hatred denied black people the same basic rights as white people, King organized peaceful, nonviolent protests to fight this injustice. Gaining support for his cause, he worked tirelessly until his assassination in 1968.
What a page-turner! This biography is so jam-packed with information, but it never seems to get bogged down or dull. The writing is interesting and fast-paced, and every page contains fascinating full-colour pictures. The definition boxes are a wonderful addition to the book, explaining difficult words like "de facto segregation." I really enjoyed the brief sidebars on related subjects (i.e. Black Panther Party) and historical figures (i.e. Rosa Parks), as well as the timeline of "Events in the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr." found at the back of the book.
It was interesting to read about King's early life in the South. Discovering details about his childhood, family, schooling, and preaching helps the reader to better understand his motivations later on in life. I truly found this account of Martin Luther King's life to be gripping and fascinating, and would highly recommend it to any young person wishing to learn more about this historical figure.
December 10, 2013
I read Martin Luther King Jr. by Amy Pastan and how Martin Luter king changed the world and how one should fight for there belifs and what they think is right.One example that is shown in the book is how african americans were not able to sit down in buses unless a white american was not asking for a seat on one day a lady by the name of Rosa Parks was on her way home tired of working sat down and on a bus stop a there were white riders who had no were to seat and told Rosa Parks to give up her seat but refused and got arrested for not giving her seat to a white rider on the bus and how African americans retaliated by not riding the bus making bus company losing money a way that they fought back with nonviolence. This book was one of my favorites because of so much knowledge that is shown on how people fought for there rights without the use of violence because now I because now I know that people need to use non violence the help themselves become a better person and help other people who are in that same situation this book is also my favorite because it talks a lot about Martin Luther King and how he helped the US change from being a slave country to a freedom country for everyone to live in. In conclusion Martin Luther King Jr is one of the great books about how not to use violence and fight for what you believe is right.
October 7, 2012
Main Characters: Martin Luther King Jr.
Setting: Washington
Lexile Level: 800
Point of View: 3rd Person
Summary: This was a biography of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life. The biography is told through the narrators eyes like a story of Martin's life. The story is sectioned off into chapters, which are also labeled in the index. Along with the different chapters, there are phenomenal pictures to go along with the biography. The novel focues on injustice, being black in Dixie, how to find faith, mobilizing Montgomery and primarily Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous, "I Have a Dream" speach.
Classroom uses / theme: I would definitely use this book in my middle school classroom. I would never have the students read the entire book, because this is just too long and too much information. But, I would have different groups read and research different sections of the biography and present the sections out to the whole class. I would have the students focus on themes sucha s inequality, injustice, poverty, FREEDOM, justice, history, etc. I would have studnets research the Civil Rights Movement and especially Martin Luther King Jr.
Setting: Washington
Lexile Level: 800
Point of View: 3rd Person
Summary: This was a biography of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life. The biography is told through the narrators eyes like a story of Martin's life. The story is sectioned off into chapters, which are also labeled in the index. Along with the different chapters, there are phenomenal pictures to go along with the biography. The novel focues on injustice, being black in Dixie, how to find faith, mobilizing Montgomery and primarily Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous, "I Have a Dream" speach.
Classroom uses / theme: I would definitely use this book in my middle school classroom. I would never have the students read the entire book, because this is just too long and too much information. But, I would have different groups read and research different sections of the biography and present the sections out to the whole class. I would have the students focus on themes sucha s inequality, injustice, poverty, FREEDOM, justice, history, etc. I would have studnets research the Civil Rights Movement and especially Martin Luther King Jr.
March 1, 2013
I choose to read the book "Martin Luther King Jr". I found this book really interesting.
This book actually taught me a lot. It taught me that anyone can make a change in the world. Anyone can do anything the want to as long as the set their mind to it. If more people did what Martin did, this world would be a much nicer world. Bully's would be much nicer to people & society would label people. Like the quote goes; "Labels are for clothes, not for people."
This made me realize how much people judges other. I think if people actually took the time to get to know someone, the wouldn't judge them right off the bat.
Overall, I thought this was a great book, it really did teach my a lot
This book actually taught me a lot. It taught me that anyone can make a change in the world. Anyone can do anything the want to as long as the set their mind to it. If more people did what Martin did, this world would be a much nicer world. Bully's would be much nicer to people & society would label people. Like the quote goes; "Labels are for clothes, not for people."
This made me realize how much people judges other. I think if people actually took the time to get to know someone, the wouldn't judge them right off the bat.
Overall, I thought this was a great book, it really did teach my a lot
December 4, 2012
This book is really informative about the life and accomplishments of Martin Luther King, Jr. I found this book to be interesting because it provides information that I didn’t know about MLK like his childhood, family, schooling, and preaching. The information in this book is amazing and would be great for students to know and be familiar with. However, the format of the book is very strange because it is written kind of like a textbook. For example, there is an index and everything is written in bullet points. Because of this format, this book should be considered strictly informational and would not work well to read as a read aloud to the class.
March 1, 2016
So, in honor of black history month, I decided to read this biography on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is a wonderful book filled with interesting facts about Dr. King's life that most people do not know. The other cool part is that the chapters are accompanied by pictures from some of the actual events that happened. If this book had an additional chapter to it, it probably would be about Dr. King's legacy today(since this book was written in 2004.) I imagine it going more in depth on his impact on today's society as well as how some of his nonviolent practices back then, should be enforced today.
March 16, 2011
very good book I have read this book before in fact i have read this book 7 times before but it is still very good.
February 7, 2012
Great biographical book!
September 12, 2012
my favorite book
July 23, 2016
Another in the amazing DK Biography series. The text is easy to read and the pictures are magnificent. A fantastic introduction to nonfiction for younger readers.
July 12, 2013
Lexile: 1080
January 13, 2014
Wow, this book really let me know a lot about Martin Luther king Jr. Who fought the civil war for black people.
October 1, 2014
Rated it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews