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I am Martin Luther King, Jr. (Ordinary People Change the World) Hardcover – Picture Book, January 5, 2016
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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.
This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big. Included in each book are:
• A timeline of key events in the hero’s history
• Photos that bring the story more fully to life
• Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable
• Childhood moments that influenced the hero
• Facts that make great conversation-starters
• A virtue this person embodies:Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dreams of a better future propelled him into action.
You’ll want to collect each book in this dynamic, informative series!
- Print length32 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Grade levelKindergarten - 4
- Lexile measure640L
- Dimensions8 x 0.37 x 7.88 inches
- PublisherRocky Pond Books
- Publication dateJanuary 5, 2016
- ISBN-100525428526
- ISBN-13978-0525428527
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
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From the Publisher
Lifelong Reader
Even at a young age, Martin Luther King Jr. knew the value of reading and the power of words. This discovery at an early age prepped him for his adulthood as a prolific public speaker.
Growing Up Segregated
Martin Luther King Jr. grew up in a segregated South, where he went to a different school than some of his friends because he was Black. He saw from a young age at how differently people were treated based on the color of their skin. He knew then that he had to do something about it. The question was, what could he do?
Peaceful Protests
Martin Luther King Jr. became a minister and started studying religion in seminary school. He learned about important historical figures that believed peaceful ways to make change. He used these methods leading different peaceful protests including the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington.
I Have a Dream...
During the March on Washington, Martin Luther King Jr. gave one of the most historical and memorable speeches of the 20th century. His "I Have a Dream" speech is taught in classrooms around the country. The March on Washington persuaded the US president and Congress to pass new laws for civil rights.
I am Martin Luther King, Jr. | I am Frida Kahlo | I am Rosa Parks | I am Walt Disney | I am Muhammad Ali | |
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Price | $9.59$9.59 | $10.49$10.49 | $9.39$9.39 | $11.39$11.39 | $10.80$10.80 |
Read more of the bestselling Ordinary People Change the World series: | The groundbreaking civil rights leader whose dream inspired millions. | A world-renowned Mexican painter and activist. | An inspiring civil rights leader that helped end public bus segregation. | The man behind the happiest place on earth and the stories that kids and families love around the world. | Commonly regarded as the greatest boxer of all time and a vocal civil rights activist. |
I am Neil Armstrong | I am Anne Frank | I am Jackie Robinson | I am Malala Yousafzai | |
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Price | $9.69$9.69 | $12.59$12.59 | $10.50$10.50 | $11.69$11.69 |
Read more of the bestselling Ordinary People Change the World series: | After a career as an engineer and pilot, he became the first person on the moon. | Her journal and story of her life during the Holocaust is still read and taught today. | He became the first Black player in Major League Baseball and led the way to equality in all American sports. | A Pakistani women's rights activist that became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. |
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Christopher Eliopoulos began his illustration career at Marvel Comics, and has worked on thousands of comics, including his own Cow Boy and Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius. He is the author and illustrator of the picture books The Yawns Are Coming! and The Giggles Are Coming! and the graphic novels Cosmic Commandos and Monster Mayhem. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and their college-graduate twin sons (who also make an appearance in each Ordinary People Change the World book).
Product details
- Publisher : Rocky Pond Books; Illustrated edition (January 5, 2016)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 32 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0525428526
- ISBN-13 : 978-0525428527
- Reading age : 5 - 7 years, from customers
- Lexile measure : 640L
- Grade level : Kindergarten - 4
- Item Weight : 9.3 ounces
- Dimensions : 8 x 0.37 x 7.88 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #10,430 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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Honest Review of Ordinary People series I Am MLK Jr
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A must have addition to your family library or classroom!
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Introduce kids to the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
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About the authors
Brad Meltzer is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Inner Circle, The Book of Fate, and nine other bestselling thrillers including The Tenth Justice, The First Counsel, The Millionaires, and The President’s Shadow. His most recent book, The Escape Artist, debuted at #1 on the bestseller list. His non-fiction book, The First Conspiracy, is about a real life secret plot to kill George Washington and is out now. And his upcoming book is The Lincoln Conspiracy, about a FIRST secret plot to kill Abraham Lincoln.
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (History Decoded), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History on H2 and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
Brad is also responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Using his TV show, Brad Meltzer's Lost History, he told the story of the missing flag and asked Americans for their help in returning it. Four days later, a former Marine walked into a fire station in Everett, Washington, said he saw Meltzer's TV show, and now wanted to return the flag. Meltzer recently unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Escape Artist, introduces Nola and Zig, brand new characters in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: Nola is dead. Everyone says she's dead. But Jim "Zig" Zigarowski just found out the truth: Nola is alive. And on the run. Together, Nola and Zig will reveal a centuries old secret that traces back the greatest escape artist of all: Harry Houdini. The Escape Artist arrives in March 2018.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. The next in the series will be I am Leonardo da Vinci (April). A TV show based on the series just debuted on PBS: Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all eight of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who steal money and go on the run. The Zero Game is about two Congressional staffers who are – literally – gambling on Congress. The Book of Fate, is about a young presidential aide, a crazed assassin, and the 200 year-old code created by Thomas Jefferson that ties them together. For authenticity, The Book of Fate, was researched with the help of former Presidents Clinton and Bush. The Book of Lies, is about the missing murder weapon that Cain used to kill Abel, as well as the unsolved murder of Superman creator Jerry Siegel’s father. Brad is one of the only people to interview Jerry Siegel’s family about the murder and, with his charitable site www.OrdinaryPeopleChangeTheWorld.com, has been the driving force behind the movement to repair the house where Superman was created.
His book The Inner Circle (and its sequels, The Fifth Assassin and The President’s Shadow) is based the idea that George Washington’s personal spy ring still exists today. A young archivist in the National Archives finds out the spy ring is still around. He doesn’t know who they work for — but the greatest secret of the Presidency is about to be revealed. While researching the book, former President George HW Bush also gave Brad, for the very first time, the secret letter he left for Bill Clinton in the Oval Office desk. Oh, and yes, Brad was recruited by the Department of Homeland Security to brainstorm different ways that terrorists might attack the US.
His books have spent over a year on the bestseller lists, and have been translated into over 25 languages, from Hebrew to Bulgarian. In The Tenth Justice, the opening lines are: “Ben Addison was sweating. Like a pig.” In the Hebrew translation, it became: “Ben Addison was sweating. Like a horse.” We’re not sure if it’s a kosher thing or what!
Brad has played himself as an extra in Woody Allen’s Celebrity, co-wrote the swearing in oath for AmeriCorps, the national service program, and earned credit from Columbia Law School for writing his first book, which became The Tenth Justice. Before all of that, he got 24 rejection letters for his true first novel, which still sits on his shelf, published by Kinko’s.
Brad currently lives in Florida with his wife, who’s also an attorney.
Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book well-written and educational. They appreciate the beautiful illustrations in a comic-style. The stories are relatable to kids and put history in their perspective. Readers mention that the book is fun and educational for young and old.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book easy to read and understand. They find it informative and well-written, making it a good series for kids.
"I really like this series. By starting the characters as kids, they become very relatable to my 6yo. More so than many other such books...." Read more
"...This book is beautifully written. It celebrates Dr. King's life and legacy without going into his tragic death...." Read more
"Love this series by Brad Meltzer. We have read this one, Neil Armstrong, Ben Franklyn, walt Disney, and Helen Keller. My 7 year old son loves them...." Read more
"...My kindergartener and I enjoyed this book very much. She enjoyed it so much, in fact, that she requested the rest of the series...." Read more
Customers find the book engaging and educational. It teaches children about our country's past and how they can shape the future. The book does a good job of explaining difficult subject matter in a way kids understand. They find it fun to read and talk about, challenging their intellectual curiosity.
"...kids I do appreciate the many chances this series has provided to talk about racial injustice and how we have to fight it, but I feel like the..." Read more
"Just read to me 6 year old granddaughter-very educational!" Read more
"...This book provides the perfect balance of realism for the topic and palatable imagery to engage young minds...." Read more
"...something everyone seems to have in common which is their love of reading books." Read more
Customers enjoy the illustrations in the book. They find the pictures cute and fun for kids. The illustrations make difficult topics less scary, and there are real photos at the end. The drawings are geared towards young kids.
"...and I don't think I could have done it successfully without this beautiful book." Read more
"...The illustrations also make difficult topics less scary...." Read more
"...'s story telling is very captivating and the illustration by Christopher Eliopoulos is so cute. My 5 year old loves it...." Read more
"...The end has a number of real pictures of him. It feels respectful of his legacy and is a great start to begin exploring history with kids." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's storytelling. They find it informative and interesting, with a nice way to present history for kids without scary details. The story is relevant for the whole family and gets off to an interesting start. Readers appreciate the author's narration and the factual content.
"...Our daughter was fascinated by the story of people marching and being persistent in the face of so much adversity...." Read more
"...You can't go wrong. I love that Brad Meltzer's story telling is very captivating and the illustration by Christopher Eliopoulos is so cute...." Read more
"...they exclaim, "King Junior!" It manages to refrain from sugar coating the history while being age appropriate for small children...." Read more
"...; Meltzer makes the characters relatable to kids, and brings history alive.." Read more
Customers find the book relatable to kids. They say it's informative, with a right dose of heart for pre-schoolers. The stories are easy for children to understand, and the illustrations put it in perspective of a small child. The characters are relatable and bring history alive.
"...By starting the characters as kids, they become very relatable to my 6yo. More so than many other such books...." Read more
"...It's informative but relatable to a kid which is awesome...." Read more
"I love this series, which makes heroes accessible to kids...." Read more
"...learned his first name was Doctor." Meltzer makes the characters relatable to kids, and brings history alive.." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's fun and educational content for young and old. They appreciate the engaging facts and illustrations in a comic-like style that keeps kids engaged.
"...They are very educational and also entertaining...." Read more
"...BUY NOW! The manner in which it is written, the fun facts, the beautiful illustrations. WHAT IS NOT TO LOVE!?" Read more
"...teaches kids about MLK Jr. with great pictures and in a sort of comic type style so the kids don’t tune out...." Read more
"...The stories are cute and funny, factual, informative, and just long enough. I love the illustrations." Read more
Reviews with images
Just the type of book we need in the world right now.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2018I really like this series. By starting the characters as kids, they become very relatable to my 6yo. More so than many other such books.
I do wish they’d do more of the non-white characters as heroes for work not just related to civil rights. There’ve been great black, Asian, Hispanic and Native writers, artists, scientists, actors, inventors, conservationists AND activists. As a white parent of white kids I do appreciate the many chances this series has provided to talk about racial injustice and how we have to fight it, but I feel like the message it’s sending is that’s all people of color only are heroes when they assert their own right to equality, while white people “get” to do all kinds of other things. I also look forward to more books set in countries other than the US.
Still, the series is still young. There’s time for this (right, authors?) I have literally bought all the books and my kid really likes them and they’ve been jump off points for great conversations. Thanks for that!
- Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2024Just read to me 6 year old granddaughter-very educational!
- Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2017We wanted to give our kindergartener a more thorough introduction to MLK. This book is beautifully written. It celebrates Dr. King's life and legacy without going into his tragic death. Our daughter was fascinated by the story of people marching and being persistent in the face of so much adversity. She learned so many great lessons from this book. My only memory from kindergarten was my teacher, Mrs. Cross, teaching me about MLK, so it meant a lot to be able to share this wonderful human being with my daughter and I don't think I could have done it successfully without this beautiful book.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2017Lately, as a parent I have felt like a complete failure. The world is a complete mess, or so it feels that way. I cannot cope with all the hatred and violence. How could I possibly be expected to reassure my children that everything is going to be alright?
A couple weeks ago, I hit a real low. It was a feeling of hopelessness kind of low. Nothing particularly bad had happened, but I felt like there was nothing I could do to help the people that were having very bad things happen to them. I not only felt this way, but my oldest daughter has been struggling with filtering though the world news. And then this magical thing happened...I came home from a particularly long day and discovered I am Martin Luther King, Jr. in my mailbox. That night when we sat down to read the book, I was transfixed with one particular page where Dr. King explains what he learned from the teachings of Henry David Thoreau and Mahatma Gandhi. It was a lesson of nonviolent resistance, a lesson of love and peace. I needed to hear this lesson as much as my children needed to hear it.
The book can be difficult to read at times because it does not shy away from the truth about racism and injustice. It takes courage to step out of your own bubble and acknowledge the pain in others' lives. My children, who both attend extremely culturally diverse schools, were shocked at the inequities demonstrated in the text and images. With my oldest daughter, we were able to engage in discussion of when she still recognizes racist behavior or inequities today. With my youngest daughter, we talked about how she should respond if she sees someone not being treated fairly.
The book provides a joyous lesson in hope. It provides a lesson in refusing to give into hate and violence. These lessons are difficult to teach your children, but having a book as a guide helps tremendously. Books like this serve as conversation starters.
The cartoon-like illustrations by Christopher Eliopoulos provide images that small children are naturally draw into viewing for long periods of time. This is important if you want to read a page and then discuss what the words mean. The illustrations also make difficult topics less scary. I remember taking Miss M to the King Center in Downtown Atlanta when she was only five, and some of the pictures that were at the King Center made her very upset because of their violent and graphic nature. This book provides the perfect balance of realism for the topic and palatable imagery to engage young minds. I look forward to reading many other books in this Ordinary People Change the World.
I received this book, free of charge, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
5.0 out of 5 stars Just the type of book we need in the world right now.Lately, as a parent I have felt like a complete failure. The world is a complete mess, or so it feels that way. I cannot cope with all the hatred and violence. How could I possibly be expected to reassure my children that everything is going to be alright?
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2017
A couple weeks ago, I hit a real low. It was a feeling of hopelessness kind of low. Nothing particularly bad had happened, but I felt like there was nothing I could do to help the people that were having very bad things happen to them. I not only felt this way, but my oldest daughter has been struggling with filtering though the world news. And then this magical thing happened...I came home from a particularly long day and discovered I am Martin Luther King, Jr. in my mailbox. That night when we sat down to read the book, I was transfixed with one particular page where Dr. King explains what he learned from the teachings of Henry David Thoreau and Mahatma Gandhi. It was a lesson of nonviolent resistance, a lesson of love and peace. I needed to hear this lesson as much as my children needed to hear it.
The book can be difficult to read at times because it does not shy away from the truth about racism and injustice. It takes courage to step out of your own bubble and acknowledge the pain in others' lives. My children, who both attend extremely culturally diverse schools, were shocked at the inequities demonstrated in the text and images. With my oldest daughter, we were able to engage in discussion of when she still recognizes racist behavior or inequities today. With my youngest daughter, we talked about how she should respond if she sees someone not being treated fairly.
The book provides a joyous lesson in hope. It provides a lesson in refusing to give into hate and violence. These lessons are difficult to teach your children, but having a book as a guide helps tremendously. Books like this serve as conversation starters.
The cartoon-like illustrations by Christopher Eliopoulos provide images that small children are naturally draw into viewing for long periods of time. This is important if you want to read a page and then discuss what the words mean. The illustrations also make difficult topics less scary. I remember taking Miss M to the King Center in Downtown Atlanta when she was only five, and some of the pictures that were at the King Center made her very upset because of their violent and graphic nature. This book provides the perfect balance of realism for the topic and palatable imagery to engage young minds. I look forward to reading many other books in this Ordinary People Change the World.
I received this book, free of charge, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Images in this review - Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2020Love this series by Brad Meltzer. We have read this one, Neil Armstrong, Ben Franklyn, walt Disney, and Helen Keller. My 7 year old son loves them. He isnt super into reading. Much more into video games and t.v. but he loves these books. This book about MLK was really amazing he had lots of questions. These books are entertaining and really educational. And of course he has noticed something everyone seems to have in common which is their love of reading books.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2021...which is why the illustrations are the way they are with Dr. King depicted as child-like. My kindergartener and I enjoyed this book very much. She enjoyed it so much, in fact, that she requested the rest of the series. It's informative but relatable to a kid which is awesome. If vocabulary is a concern, get a children's dictionary and look up the word with the child, use context clues, discuss it! Great choice for school and home.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2018Ordinary People Change the World Series is the best. You can't go wrong. I love that Brad Meltzer's story telling is very captivating and the illustration by Christopher Eliopoulos is so cute. My 5 year old loves it. We read these books every night. Each book teaches that they were just ordinary people who had different struggles in life but they persevere by being courageous and by not giving up.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2020This book was perfect for teaching my 5-year-old about Martin Luther King Jr. It is honest and thoughtful. It teaches children about how important it is to stand up for the rights of all people. My child was so intrigued that we read it numerous times and looked up more information about this amazing man. I highly recommend this book.
Top reviews from other countries
- Djilly L.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 16, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Standing for Peace, justice and to help others
These beautifully illustrated “I Am” hard cover booklets are not cheap. However they are really, really nice!. And of very good quality. We have quite a collection by now and both the children and us parents love these books.
The storyline is clear, interesting and well-told in comic-book text prints. However it is done in such a manner that children can relate to the main character while they learn about the era that Martin Luther grew up in as well.
The range of topics in this series can’t be praised enough. The good thing is that they address famous historical characters other than the usual megalomical white conquerors that we learned about at school.
These books can be a very nice present.
Djilly L.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 16, 2021
The storyline is clear, interesting and well-told in comic-book text prints. However it is done in such a manner that children can relate to the main character while they learn about the era that Martin Luther grew up in as well.
The range of topics in this series can’t be praised enough. The good thing is that they address famous historical characters other than the usual megalomical white conquerors that we learned about at school.
These books can be a very nice present.
Images in this review - SarahReviewed in Canada on August 29, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars but the messages are great, and accessible
This series of books has become my go-to gift for any kids in my life. Most of them are still a little young to read them on their own, but the messages are great, and accessible, even for a four year-old. I also love the illustrations (particularly love that little kid Martin Luther King, Jr. has a mustache and a suit).
- Dhaval and MaitrayeeReviewed in India on April 9, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars My 4 year old boy's current obsession
This book was a part of the new series that I recently came across and I instantly fell in love. All the books in these series are based on true stories and the story is very encouraging. They are a bit expensive but I can assure you good quality visuals, story and paper and binding quality. We also bought I am (Albert Einstein, Helen Keller and Abraham Lincoln) from the series. My son is 4 and he is a bit young to understand the real meaning, but I am happy to have introduced these books to him, early!
- Carol Lee TownsendReviewed in Canada on November 27, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written book
I ordered a few of these books for my daughter who raved about them and has been buying them to read to her children. Nice to have books like these for kids.
- Georgia MenteReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 19, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful illustrations!
Beautiful illustrations! Great selection for teachera and parents!