Our Montessori Bookshelf: In Honor of MLK Day

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! In Montessori, we work to uphold the values of Dr. King. Both humanitarians, Dr. King and Dr. Montessori upheld a dream for humanity and believed reverently that peace could be realized. 

In his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in 1964, Dr. King asserts: “Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time; the need for mankind to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence. Mankind must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.” 

In Education and Peace, Dr. Montessori states: “An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking; it involves the spiritual development of man, the enhancement of his value as an individual, and the preparation of young people to understand the times in which they live.”

Both Dr. King and Dr. Montessori recognized the profound personal shift required to support a societal shift toward peace and equity. To support this work, we offer some of our favorite books that highlight the legacy and vision of Dr. King.

Child of the Civil Rights Movement

By Paula Young Shelton, Illustrated by Raul Colón 

The author, daughter of civil rights leader Andrew Young, shares a simple yet profound view of what it was like to live through the household experience of organizing, marching, and forming community. From the child-like “ah ha” moment of realizing Jim Crow wasn’t a bird to overhearing dining room conversation among some of the great civil rights leaders, this story brings the movement home to children. The “More About the People in This Book” section at the end is a helpful reference, too!

Let the Children March

By Monica Clark-Robinson, Illustrated by Frank Morrison

Told from the perspective of a young girl in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963, the poetic verse of this story begins with Dr. King's call to action. Inspired and determined, the girl and her brother realize the children can march even if their parents can’t. The book is filled with hope, as well as images that don’t shy away from the pain and horror of the police response to the march. Moving and powerful, this story is an essential one to share. The Afterword and Artist’s Statement at the end are also helpful for older readers, as well as the creative timeline of events that spans the endpapers.

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

By Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Bryan Collier

Collage illustrations combined with actual quotes from Dr. King carry the reader (or listener) through the rhythms of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life. From his early childhood days to his ministering to the long years of protest, this picture book flows powerfully through the arc of Dr. King’s “big words.” A perfect introduction to Dr. King for young children, the book’s simplicity makes the messages all the more resonant.

My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing up with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

By Christine King Farris, Illustrated by Chris Soentpiet

Dr. King’s sister shares the story of their childhood, including the silly and the serious. Her firsthand account captures not only the joy of siblings growing up together, but also how formative experiences can set the stage for our future. This is a beautiful account to share with children of all ages and a powerful reminder of the potential each of us has to do something great in the world.

Pies from Nowhere: How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott

By Dee Romito, Illustrated by Laura Freeman

This true story is a perfect illustration of how one person leaning into their strengths can have a big behind-the-scenes impact. Georgia Gilmore, a cook, heard about Rosa Parks’ arrest and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. She heard Dr. King speak and she decided she could “help the best way she knew how.” She made food and lots of pies and used the money to secretly support the bus boycott. The story continues with challenge and progress (and even Dr. King’s encouragement!). There is even a bonus recipe at the end for Georgia Gilmore’s Homemade Pound Cake!

We hope these books inspire you and your children as they have inspired us. We especially love how many of the books illustrate how meaningful change happens when many people are working together. You can click here to download a printable booklist. If you explore any of these books with your children, let us know what you think! We also invite you to schedule a tour to see how we work toward peace and equity.

“Our goal is to create a beloved community and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives.”

–Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.