Marching to Freedom

by Joyce Milton

"You get up now!" The bus driver told the young black boy to move to the back of the bus.

But fourteen-year-old Martin Luther King, Jr. did not move.

"Come on now, M.L.," said his teacher. "We have to move. It's the law."

Martin Luther King, Jr. moved to the back of the bus that day in 1943, but he never forgot how it made him feel. When he became a man, he fought to change that law and all others that denied black people their rights.

Martin Luther King, Jr. began "Marching to Freedom," and many people—both black and white—followed him.

This is Martin Luther King, Jr.'s story...his triumphs, his struggles, and above all, his dream of freedom and a better llife for all people!

Genres: Biography

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Joyce Milton is the author of several noted juvenile biographies, as well as the prize-winning novel, Save the Loonies.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I now understand more about his fight.

[Adja]

What did he call MLK? Why is that offensive?

[Meridith Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marching to Freedom: The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Joyce Milton brings a great perspective to an important time in American History. Milton does a phenomenal job at highlighting Dr. King’s life in a way that allows the reader to picture the words in his or her mind. The vivid detail brings the Civil Rights movement to life and is eye opening to all the truly amazing ways Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. helped fight for human rights.

As a young adult, I learned so much more than I ever would have imagined about the life and struggles that Dr. King endeavored. I believe this book is essential for young children in helping them understand a world that was much different than the one we live in today. Joyce Milton fills the chapters of her book from King’s childhood, when he was known simply as “M.L.”, to his final days of life when he was known as Dr. Martin Luther King, a “miracle worker”. This story also highlights many people whom King worked closely with in his fight for equality, such as Rev. Ralph Abernathy, Rosa Parks, and Rev. Jesse Jackson, to name a few. Several pages are filled with actual photographs and descriptive captions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his family. I have always had great respect for Dr. King, but this biography was so humbling and eye opening I feel that now I have an even greater admiration for this noble hero. I believe it speaks volumes that this children’s chapter book can influence people of so many ages and races.

Marching to Freedom: The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. can be implemented in the classroom in so many ways. As a writing prompt, students could analyze Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and write about themes of hope, peace, love, and freedom or draw a picture of what these words mean. Students could also create a timeline of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life highlighting major points from the text or even create their own “I Have a Dream” speech. A great activity I have seen used in several classrooms is providing students with several scenarios and have them determine if these scenarios are fair and unfair and explain why. This activity gives students an opportunity to make decisions just as Martin Luther King, Jr. worked to make laws fair for all people.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book and would definitely be interested in reading more biographies by Joyce Milton. Perhaps each student could choose a biography and present their findings to the class.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I learned from this book is that you shouldn't be judged by the way you look

[Amby · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a great book