Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King

by Jean Marzollo

Paperback, 1993

Status

Available

Genres

Nonfiction

All Topics

Collection

Children's Circulating

Publication

Scholastic (1993), 30 pages

Description

An introduction to a great civil rights leader.

User reviews

LibraryThing member mmgomez1

This is a lovely picture book that demonstartes the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. It is a short story about the beginning to end of his life. This book tells the tremendous story of Martin Luther King, Jr. in a way that young children can understand and apreciate.

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LibraryThing member sarah_walker

In "Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King”, the history of Martin Luther King Jr. is given in the form of a short story. Beginning with his birth, the book highlights Martin Luther’s King Jr's contributions to our society. The book concludes with a group of children celebrating Martin Luther King

Jr's birthday.

The color pencil illustrations in "Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King" grabbed my attention as soon as I saw the cover. Although I find the illustrations interesting, they seem too dark for me. Overall, this book is a great introduction to an important man in history and is written on a child's level. I recommend "Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King" to any child. At the end I found myself in tears while reading the line, "Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty we're free at last!"

I would have students give their own interpretation of the term "free at last" and how it applies to them today. Students would then share their view in front of the entire class.

Younger students could learn the song "Free At Last" and sing for another class. I would make sure to explain the purpose of the song and why it is still important today.

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LibraryThing member RobertaRogers

This story talks about Martin Luther King Jr and his journey. The story told when he was born and where. It also told how he wwent all the way through school and he then became a preacher like his father. He also did wonders around the communitity he visited people in the hospital and sang in the

chour and he helped resolve fights in the streets. He was well known for his speeches and he gave a really importants speech called I Have A Dream and it talked about how he had a dream that one day he wants everybody to be equal. It also states that he is known for the hard work he did for others and how he fought so hard for freedom we celebrate him every year on his birthday.

I loved this book. I liked the way it gave facts but it was like a story and it was really interesting. I did not feel like I was just reading a boring informational book.

I would read this story aloud to my students. I think it will help students understand why we celebrate him.

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LibraryThing member rvangent

This is a great example of a biography in that it goes tells the story of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. It provides facts about his life, such as his family and career, as well as explaining why he was such an important person in the history of the United States to help end segregation.
Media:

scratchboard and oil pastel (very unique and beautiful)

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LibraryThing member clwalker

commemoration of his peaceful fight for freedom and change, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday is celebrated across the nation. This sensitively written picture book provides an introduction to the life of Dr. King, beginning with his birth and childhood through to his tragic death. Marzollo's

simple writing style combines with Pinkney's engaging illustrations in this moving introduction to an American hero, created just for younger readers. Full-color illustrations throughout.

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LibraryThing member Mmarcel2011

This is a very cute book. This book is easily explained and students get a significant amount of information form it. Great to read before Martin Luther King's day.

LibraryThing member KellyLPickett

I think my favorite aspect of this book are the illustrations! I love the contrasting light coming through the dark colors in the fine lines. This is a simple way to introduce Dr. King to very young learners. It does not go into much detail, but sets up the time frame and basic information about

what he was known for. This gives students just enough information about Dr. King that may make them curious for more.

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LibraryThing member AMQS

Curriculum: A terrific read aloud for kids to celebrate the birthday of an American hero. This book presents just the right amount of information about Dr. King so that even very young kids can understand how important he was. Great book for a discussion of justice and fairness, and doing the right

thing.

Marzollo, J. & Pinkney, J. (1993). Happy birthday, Martin Luther King. Orlando, Fla: Harcourt Brace.

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LibraryThing member DannieN

"Happy Birthday Martin Luther King Jr." is a great read aloud story for 1st or 2nd graders to teach about or even to just read on the Martin Luther King holiday. The story is a very shortened version of a biography of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life, ending with the explanation of why we celebrate

his birthday as a holiday. The text is made up of very simple sentences, like "He asked people not to fight with each other," which help to explain what King did in a way that younger students will be able to understand. The illustrations in the book could be done better. They are sketched and are in all dark colors, which could make students see King in a negative way- which is not what the book is trying to teach. This text should be used as a quick read aloud for younger students on this holiday, but is not a good pick to use in many lessons.

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LibraryThing member wichitafriendsschool

This book is 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.

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