Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King Jr.

by Jean Marzollo, J. Brian Pinkney (Illustrator)

Let the Scholastic Bookshelf be your guide through the whole range of your child's laugh with them, learn with them, read with them!Sixteen best-selling titles available now! BiographyThis book is a beautifully-rendered study of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life, told in simple, straightforward language for even the youngest of readers to understand. Pinkney's scratchboard and oil pastel illustrations convey both the strength and gentleness of King's character. Both text and art carry his central message of peace and brotherhood among all people.

Genres: Biography, Picture Books, Cultural, Childrens, History, Nonfiction, African American

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Jean Marzollo was an American children's author and illustrator best known for the I Spy series, a best-selling and award-winning collection written entirely in rhythm and rhyme and illustrated by Walter Wick. Over her career, she wrote more than 100 books for children, parents, and educators, including Help Me Learn Numbers 0-20, The Little Plant Doctor, and Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King. Born and raised in Connecticut, she graduated from the University of Connecticut and earned a master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She taught high school English and later worked in educational publishing, serving for 20 years as editor of Scholastic’s Let’s Find Out Magazine. Later in life, she began illustrating her own books.

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent overview of MLK’s life and work for my preschooler. It uses simple, direct language and gives great examples that she can understand. Will definitely use again.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. This is the story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. told in a way that children of any age can understand. The artwork is incredible, and the story's flow is easy to follow.
2. Grades 2-4
3. Social Studies, Carpet read
4. Any student can benefit from this story.
5/6. This is an excellent book to use when talking about MLK. His story is one with which everyone should be familiar, starting from an early age. This book would be a great addition to the biographical section of any classroom library as well.
7. The Invisible Boy, Matthew and Tilly, Luke's Way of Looking
8. None

[Relyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the most perfect introduction to MLK Day and a study of the Civil Rights Movement. It is appropriate and accessible for kindergarteners and first graders while giving plenty of information and food for thought for third graders. I always begin our Civil Rights unit with this book.

[Candi Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great introductory biography of MLK Jr for kiddos kindergarten and up.

[Tori Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a stellar, age-appropriate introduction for kids to MLK. As a parent, I appreciated the note in the front of the book warning that the book does use the words "shot and killed" when talking about his death and directing us to just say "died" if we feel our preschoolers aren't ready for that yet. MLK wasn't a perfect man, but he did a lot of great for our country and deserves to be celebrated. This book focuses on his message of racial equality and introduces the concept of racism in a factual, age-appropriate way ("Once there were laws in some places that said that African-Americans could use only certain restaurants and drinking fountains. Martin Luther King and many other people helped change these laws." and similar passages). I absolutely cried while reading this book aloud, the message is so powerful. The illustrations are also fascinating, I've never seen scratchboard illustrations in a picture book before! They were beautiful and since it's not a medium we often if ever see were really visually interesting and engaging. They also really complimented the feel of the book. All around, I thought this was a wonderful book and we will be adding it to our yearly curriculum for MLK Day.

[JD JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Birthday Martin Luther King by Jean Marzollo is an excellent picture book for younger readers and a great way to introduce them to the one and only Martin Luther King. This picture book beautifully introduces this heroic figure in a way that addresses the seriousness of the inequality and suffrage of the time but in a way that I felt was appropriate for the targeted age group of this book. Moreover, the illustrations in this book were fantastic and full of detail and deep earthy colors that really brought to life the people behind the story of the Civil Rights Movement. This is a book that I would definitely have in my classroom but only if I am teaching younger students and beginning readers. Martin Luther King is a well know figure and most children will have read into him in older grades so this book would bore them.

[Anna W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent for teaching young children (K-3) about the basic life works of Martin Luther King, Jr. His birth date and place, given name, chosen profession, and vocations are all included in the short pages of this book. The art is beautiful, as well.

The book does discuss how MLK, Jr. died, which some young ones will wonder about. "Why was he shot?" some students asked when I read the book. I explained, but it is hard for younger (grade one and under) to understand why anyone would get shot and killed for fighting for what is now (in most places) understandable tolerance, acceptance, and kindness between all peoples. Know this going in, if you plan to read it to little ones.

[Samarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biographical
k-2nd

Though this book may be short, it is so in depth in the facts that are provided. I feel as though Jean Marzollo did an amazing job at explaining what King did in a way that even the youngest children could understand. Because of this it is such a good introduction to who MLK was and what he has done for us. I believe this would be a great book to just have around the room so that students can come and read it whenever. I loved the illustrations, they were so unique and I feel as though they did not take away from the reading at all. I can not wait to share the story with my future classrooms.

[Tinga Eater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagenes hermosas con informacion muy detallada de porque celebramos el cumpleanos de Martin Luther King Jr.. Pienso que seria leido al 3er grado que al 1er grado por la longitud de la informacion dada.

Wonderful images with very detailed information of why we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. I do think it would be more suited for 3rd grade than 1st grade because of the length of the information given.

[Tessa Duncan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story tells of Martin Luther King Jr's life. Martin grew up in Atlanta as a pastor's son. He was always in his neighborhood trying to solve problems and help others. MLK Jr helped to change some of America's segregation laws. A great book to inform children on who MLK Jr was and why he is so important to American history.

[Brooke Knuppenburg · Rating 3 out of 5]

We used this text to talk about MLK on his birthday. This text gave great details to what he did for our country and how he was a pastor. I think it was written in a very mature manner, but easy enough for students to read on their own or listen to. We used the text for a read-aloud, and the students loved it!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a relatable, understandable book for young children relating the basic facts of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. My First grade students found it to be engaging and short enough that they could pay attention all the way through. We love that the illustrations are by Brian Pinkney because we learn and discuss that he is the son of Jerry Pinkney, one of our favorite illustrators.

[WillTessMicah Fremont · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good, but it kept referring to him as "Martin Luther King" without the "Jr." Except for one reference. That seemed strange to me. It does also mention that he was "shot and killed", without giving the reason why, making it necessary for the adult reading it to expound on that, when the child asks why he was shot.

[Sarah Kaiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another very informational book. It gives a lot of facts and details about Martin Luther King, as I believe it is really important that kids are educated on famous historical figures. Not only is the book educational but it is told in a way that will captivate young listeners and keep them engaged.

[Madison Persinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story is a great story to read to children before or on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and why we celebrate it. Marzollo's word choice is simple enough for children comprehension but still portrays the strong message of Martin Luther's life.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to use to introduce pre-k students to Martin Luther King Jr. It includes a short history of his life and explains the issue of civil rights in a way simple enough for young children to understand. The illustrations are also fantastic.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very gentle introduction to the work of MLK. Beautiful interesting illustrations. Mentions others fought for rights too. Used with 6 and 7 year old. Each had good questions. Discussed skin color etc.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice historical book about King's life with unique illustrations. The book covers King's life from birth, through school, to preaching, and leading change in the U.S. Felt like an overarching approach with not too many specifics.

[Beatriz Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a straightforward summary of Martin Luther King Jr. The book highlights his life, main accomplishments, and events he did for equality. The summary is short, students can easily understand why he is important and respected.

[Jessica Lewers]

This is a great historical book for children to read because Martin Luther King Jr. was an important person in helping the issue that is still going on today of racism. This book discusses why he is celebrated and about his life.
Age Level: 3-5
Lexile Level: 800L

[Ms. B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this was first published 30 years ago, this is still a beautiful title to introduce young children to Martin Luther King. For those who would like advice for talking about Martin Luther King to children or students, the author includes a few tips at the beginning of the story.

[Carly Towles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would be a very good read aloud around the time of Martin Luther King Day. It is a story about his life and the struggles he went through in his life, so some of the class could also really relate to this.

[CreateEveryday Classroom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still think this is the best book, the most straight forward and the most appropriate for young children on the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

[Christina Karvounis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for children of all ages to learn about the life of the extraordinary MLK jr.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biography Picture Book

[Bethany Cuppett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures and a great way to describe Martin Luther King Jr.'s life. Great book!

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent illustrations by J. Brian Pinkney and appropriate biographical text describing the life and death of MLK.

[Maughn Gregory]

Pinkney's illustrations are gorgeous as always but the text was too simple, too guarded, as if MLK was just a good man who said and did some good things.

[Desiree Trott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read with my class this morning for Martin Luther King day. Amazing illustrations, great writing putting his life into perspective for their age group.

[PECLexMontessori]

For preschoolers and kindergarteners. This book focuses on the significance and impact of Dr. King and why his birthday is celebrated in a way that is accessible to younger children.