M.L.K.: Journey of a King

Tonya Bolden brings words and pictures together to tell the life story of one of America's greatest figures: Martin Luther King, Jr. -- or M.L.K. Central to the story is King's belief that agape -- the selfless love for one's neighbor -- is the rope that binds all peoples together. 

M.L.K.: Journey of a King is a nonfiction biographical book that encompasses factual information, clearly developed ideas, and uses pictures of the subject matter (i.e. Martin Luther King Jr.) to reinforce or promote the words that are written in the book. Author Tonya Bolden does a wonderful job at providing detailed and acurate information about the impact he had for the African American race in times of civil rights movements. 

Discussion

1) Why was Martin Luther King Jr. so important?

2) Why do you think that Dr. King should be remembered in today's world? 

What do you think would have happened if Dr. King hadn't spoken

 out for civil rights for African American people?

3) Why do you think Dr. King was assassinated? Was it justified? 

4) Dr. King believed in the rights of all humans; do you feel this way too? 

Why or why not? 

5) What is one thing you would become an activist over? Why do you feel this is an important cause?

Activities

1) Hometown Heroes: Have students research a young person in their own town who has done a great and courageous deed. Do a report about their subject and share their efforts with the class. 

2) We Come in Peace: Have students work in teams to research organizations that support peace, tolerance, respect for differences, building community, responsible citizenship and the like and their logos. Have them then create a scrapbook of “Logos of Tolerance, Peace, Respect for Others…”. Once completed, present their work to the class and explain what the organizations stand for and why it is important.

References 
Bolden, Tonya. M.L.K.: Journey of a King. New York: Abrams for Young Readers, 2008. Print.
Galda, L., Cullinan, B., & Sipe, L. (2010). Literature and the child (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.