Every year at this time as Martin Luther King Day approaches I try to find a children’s book I never read before about him to share with my Nanny Kids. This year I borrowed Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You by Carole Boston Weatherford from the library.
Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You features a dual narrative of the key moments of Dr. King’s life alongside a modern classroom as the students learn about him. As times change, Dr. King’s example remains, encouraging a new generation of children to take charge and change the world … to be a King.
This picture book is a fabulous testament to Dr. King’s character and legacy, giving examples of how children can “Be a King” through different actions that spread kindness and build a better world. Examples include statements such as:
“Know that bigotry hurts. Remember how you felt when treated unfairly” and “Break the chains of ignorance. Learn as much as you can.”
While reading Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You ask children:
• Why do you think the teacher made the little girl apologize to her two friends?
• How do you think the boy felt after being bullied?
• Why is it important to stand up for what is right?
• What is one would way we could help someone else?
• Tell me about a time you had to say “I’m sorry” to someone.
Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You is a fabulous book to have on home bookshelves to read as a family and discuss character and doing the right thing.
Author of Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You is Carole Boston Weatherford, the award-winning author of more than 50 books of poetry, nonfiction, and children’s literature. She is the author of three Caldecott Honor Books, including Freedom in Congo Square.
You can purchase your own copy of Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You by clicking the title in this review or by visiting my storefront by clicking here.
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