15 Excellent Civil Rights Books

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 8, 2010

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—observed the third Monday of each year, around the time of his January 15 birthday—here is a list of outstanding books that represent nonviolent activism and the civil rights movement:

Child of the Civil Rights Movement

by Paula Young Shelton

(Ages 4-8)

Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

by Doreen Rappaport

(Ages 4-8)

I Have A Dream

by Martin Luther King Jr.

(Ages 4-8)

Freedom Summer

by Deborah Wiles

(Ages 4-8)

A Sweet Smell of Roses

by Angela Johnson

(Ages 5-8)

The Story Of Ruby Bridges

by Robert Coles

(Ages 7-10)

Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.?

by Bonnie Bader

(Ages 7-11)

Through My Eyes

by Ruby Bridges

(Ages 8-12)

Witnesses to Freedom: Young People Who Fought for Civil Rights

by Belinda Rochelle

(Ages 8-12)

The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963

by Christopher Paul Curtis

(Ages 9-12)

The Color of My Words

by Lynn Joseph

(Ages 10 and up)

The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place

by E.L. Konigsburg

(Ages 10-12)

Rosa Parks: My Story

by Rosa Parks

(Ages 12 and up)

Ida B. Wells: Mother of the Civil Rights Movement

by Judith Bloom Fradin

(Ages 12 and up)

Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice

by Phillip M Hoose

(Teens)

Source of books: Publisher, Library, Bookstore

Leave us a comment: Tell us your favorite book about the civil rights movement or nonviolent activism.

Tags: Angela Johnson, Belinda Rochelle, Bonnie Bader, Christopher Paul Curtis, Deborah Wiles, Doreen Rappaport, E.L. Konisburg, Judith Bloom Fradlin, Lynn Joseph, Martin Luther King Jr., Paula Young Shelton, Phillip M. Hoose, Robert Coles, Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges

Category: Ages 4-8, Ages 9-12, Book Lists, Cultural Wisdom, Teens: Young Adults