Historic time period: 1945–early 1970's
Martin Luther King Jr. and Nonviolence
Have you ever heard of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech at the March on Washington? What was his dream for America, who was the man behind those famous words, and why do we celebrate his story every January?
Martin's Big Words is an illustrated biography that traces Dr. King's life from his childhood and includes quotes from his writings and speeches. Explore Dr. King's story by reading together and then try some of these fun activities to learn more about him and other brave Americans who worked on the civil rights movement
The National Museum of American History has a rich collection of objects from the civil rights movement, including a portion of the lunch counter from the sit-ins in Greensboro, North Carolina, and a handbill from the 1963 March on Washington.
Read This Book
You can learn more about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and nonviolence during the civil rights movement by reading these books. Click on the book titles below for more information, or visit our complete bibliography.
More Recommended Books
- Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles
- Through My Eyes: Ruby Bridges by Ruby Bridges
- The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
- Separate But Not Equal: The Dream and the Struggle by Jim Haskins
- I Am Rosa Parks by Jim Haskins and Rosa Parks
- I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Remember: A Journey to School Integration by Toni Morrison
- When Marian Sang by Pam Munoz Ryan
Featured Book
Martin's Big Words
by Doreen Rappaport
Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport. Text © Doreen Rappaport. Illustrations © Bryan Collier. Used by permission of Disney Publishing. All rights reserved.
Recommended Book
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Read Martin's Big Words
Meet Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and explore the story of his life through reading together.
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Activities
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Comic Book Hero
Learn from Objects
By looking closely at a comic book, learn about how nonviolence worked in the past and make your own pocket card with tips to use nonviolence today. Image courtesy of Fellowship of Reconciliation
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Word Art with Martin's Words
Use Technology
Make word art on the computer using the words of Dr. King's speeches and letters.
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Visit Your Government
Take A Trip
Have you ever been to a place where laws are made or enforced? Visit a seat of government in your community and think of some ways you could influence the government through nonviolence.
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Remembering King
Play and Create
Create a window decoration inspired by Dr. King and the ideas he shared with others.
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To March or Not to March?
Study in School
Take on the role of a fictional American in the mid-1900s and use a primary source to decide whether or not to join Dr. King at the March on Washington.
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