What do you think?
Rate this book
Martin Luther King: The Peaceful Warrior
Follow the inspiring life of Martin Luther King Jr. in a moving, vital, and informative book by an author and an illustrator with close ties to Dr. King's family.
Martin Luther King Jr. devoted his life to helping people, first as a Baptist minister and scholar and later as the foremost leader in the African-American civil rights movement. An organizer of the Montgomery bus boycott and cofounder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Dr. King won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance. As a result of his actions, the United States Congress passed the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964. This book's powerful story and important message, originally published in 1964, remain as relevant today as they were more than fifty years ago. With a new foreword by the author's widow, Xernona Clayton, the text has been reviewed and updated for a new generation and features striking new illustrations by Donald Bermudez.
Martin Luther King Jr. devoted his life to helping people, first as a Baptist minister and scholar and later as the foremost leader in the African-American civil rights movement. An organizer of the Montgomery bus boycott and cofounder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Dr. King won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance. As a result of his actions, the United States Congress passed the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964. This book's powerful story and important message, originally published in 1964, remain as relevant today as they were more than fifty years ago. With a new foreword by the author's widow, Xernona Clayton, the text has been reviewed and updated for a new generation and features striking new illustrations by Donald Bermudez.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1968
13 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
Ed Clayton
7 books9 followersEd Clayton was a well-known editor, author, and reporter. He worked on special assignments for Life magazine and contributed articles to the Associated Press, United Press International, and the Associated Negro Press. He also served as an editor with Jet, Ebony, and the Negro Digest. Until his death in 1966, Ed Clayton was an associate of Dr. King at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 13, 2017
This was lovely. A compelling, moving account of Martin Luther King Jr's life. There is a nice emphasis on Martin Luther King Sr. too. It's easy to follow and very engaging. It's touching and a very compassionate account. I think it could sustain the attention of most children. And there are some lovely illustrations as well.
Would be an excellent read for 4th-7th graders perhaps.
Would be an excellent read for 4th-7th graders perhaps.
January 27, 2018
Appropriate for middle-grade readers, The Peaceful Warrior traces King’s life, work, and death through personalized moments and beautifully painted illustrations. Clayton gently but clearly describes “what it meant to be a black person in the Deep South” during King’s childhood, from “For Whites Only” signs on buses, to policemen who call King’s venerable father “boy,” to a very young King being slapped and called the “hate-filled word” (the book uses the word) by a white woman who thinks he stepped on her foot.
Anecdotes about King’s childhood portray him as a precocious kid who makes mistakes, but who learns “to stand up for his rights by talking his way out of trouble.” After graduating from high school at 15, King studies black heroes, such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, as well as Henry David Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience,” Mohandas Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance, and the peaceful teachings of Jesus. A brief bibliography at the end of the book includes resources for further reading.
As a minister, Dr. King “was soon speaking out plainly against [racial] injustices.” Talk transformed into action when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus, sparking the Montgomery bus boycotts. With you-are-there detail, Clayton and Bermudez bring life to the successes of the civil rights movement as it grows, as well as the devastating violence against protesters and families. Readers experience “a time of trouble and terror but a time of triumph, too,” culminating in King’s acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize.
A final chapter describes King’s assassination with mournful eloquence, “the famed, prophetic speaker was now speechless.” King’s funeral is portrayed as a final bringing-together of diverse people, this time in grief: “dignitaries and plain people were streaming into the city by the thousands.” The afterword highlights the federal holiday established in 1983 to honor Dr. King, the music and lyrics for the song “We Shall Overcome,” and a bibliography.
King’s work to improve life for all Americans is as relevant today as it was when The Peaceful Warrior was originally published. Highly recommended as a precursor to or companion with John Lewis’s March.
Anecdotes about King’s childhood portray him as a precocious kid who makes mistakes, but who learns “to stand up for his rights by talking his way out of trouble.” After graduating from high school at 15, King studies black heroes, such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, as well as Henry David Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience,” Mohandas Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance, and the peaceful teachings of Jesus. A brief bibliography at the end of the book includes resources for further reading.
As a minister, Dr. King “was soon speaking out plainly against [racial] injustices.” Talk transformed into action when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus, sparking the Montgomery bus boycotts. With you-are-there detail, Clayton and Bermudez bring life to the successes of the civil rights movement as it grows, as well as the devastating violence against protesters and families. Readers experience “a time of trouble and terror but a time of triumph, too,” culminating in King’s acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize.
A final chapter describes King’s assassination with mournful eloquence, “the famed, prophetic speaker was now speechless.” King’s funeral is portrayed as a final bringing-together of diverse people, this time in grief: “dignitaries and plain people were streaming into the city by the thousands.” The afterword highlights the federal holiday established in 1983 to honor Dr. King, the music and lyrics for the song “We Shall Overcome,” and a bibliography.
King’s work to improve life for all Americans is as relevant today as it was when The Peaceful Warrior was originally published. Highly recommended as a precursor to or companion with John Lewis’s March.
Read
November 8, 2013When he was a young man Martin Luther King wanted a career helping people. He felt that as minister he could speak out against Racial injustice. Following the example of the Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi Dr. King chose nonviolence as the keystone of his height for civil rights. Dr king became a leader of the civil rights movement. In 1955 he helped to organize the famous Montgomery Alabama bus boycott. Freedom rides sit-ins and protest marches, stengthened the battle against discrimination. As a result of these in 1964 the united States
I thought this book was good to read back on my history. I learned something new about Martin Luther King that his dad owned his a shoe shop.
I think the author, ED CLAYTON, was good about writing this book becuse reading this open my eyes on reality how our ansertors struggled an faught for equal rights.
I thought this book was good to read back on my history. I learned something new about Martin Luther King that his dad owned his a shoe shop.
I think the author, ED CLAYTON, was good about writing this book becuse reading this open my eyes on reality how our ansertors struggled an faught for equal rights.
March 13, 2018
Clayton, Ed Martin Luther King: The Peaceful Warrior, 113 pgs. Illustrated by Donald Bermudez CHAPTER BOOK Candlewick Press, 2017. $16.99 Content: PG.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was raised in Atlanta by a loving family who taught him to be proud of their heritage. Martin’s parents were examples that set his ideals of freedom and fairness. As Martin grew up he received an education and felt a connection with Gandhi’s ways of nonviolent protests. As tension grew in the United States, the people were looking for a leader and King was willing to take the lead. He was an amazing man who wanted equality and freedom for everyone and set an example and led with love and peace.
This is a great biography that highlights King’s accomplishments. I liked that there was a balance of his childhood and education as well as his years as a leader because it is more appealing to the younger readers. The rating is PG because there are acts of violence such as people getting sprayed with the fire hose, King’s assassination and the bombing of churches and King’s house. Although they aren’t described in detail, it is upsetting that it happened. As for age group-older grades can learn from this book as well, but it is a chapter book.
EL, MS – ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
Martin Luther King, Jr. was raised in Atlanta by a loving family who taught him to be proud of their heritage. Martin’s parents were examples that set his ideals of freedom and fairness. As Martin grew up he received an education and felt a connection with Gandhi’s ways of nonviolent protests. As tension grew in the United States, the people were looking for a leader and King was willing to take the lead. He was an amazing man who wanted equality and freedom for everyone and set an example and led with love and peace.
This is a great biography that highlights King’s accomplishments. I liked that there was a balance of his childhood and education as well as his years as a leader because it is more appealing to the younger readers. The rating is PG because there are acts of violence such as people getting sprayed with the fire hose, King’s assassination and the bombing of churches and King’s house. Although they aren’t described in detail, it is upsetting that it happened. As for age group-older grades can learn from this book as well, but it is a chapter book.
EL, MS – ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
February 24, 2018
Ed Clayton may have been one of the first biographers of the minister. A speechwriter for Dr. King, Clayton was given permission to write a biography of the activist for children. At the time, it was unprecedented access. No other writer would have this opportunity. His book, The Peaceful Warrior, was originally published in 1964 and is ideal for children in third to seventh grades.
When it was first published, King was considered “one of the more controversial characters on the current scene,” (according to Kirkus.) Yet, Clayton’s classic children’s book avoids controversy and allows the story of King’s life to speak for itself.
Dr. King is introduced to the reader as a child who did not understand why things were the way they were, asking lots of questions. Also, a boy who allowed himself to wonder about a country where no one was judged based on the color of their skin.
Read more at http://jasoncstanley.com/book-review-...
When it was first published, King was considered “one of the more controversial characters on the current scene,” (according to Kirkus.) Yet, Clayton’s classic children’s book avoids controversy and allows the story of King’s life to speak for itself.
Dr. King is introduced to the reader as a child who did not understand why things were the way they were, asking lots of questions. Also, a boy who allowed himself to wonder about a country where no one was judged based on the color of their skin.
Read more at http://jasoncstanley.com/book-review-...
March 21, 2018
Ed Clayton’s 1964 biography of Martin Luther King Jr. has been updated and rereleased by Candlewick for a new century. Covering Dr. King’s life from his childhood until his death in 1968, Clayton and his wife, who worked for the Kings, provide children with important pieces of his story and the Civil Rights Movement.
Donald Bermudez provides new illustrations done in a retro 50’s and 60’s style which give it an interesting historical touch. Book extras include a foreword by Xerona Clayton, an Afterword focusing on the creation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, words and music to the song “We Shall Overcome”, and a bibliography of other resources. Overall, it is a fine early chapter biography that young elementary readers can use to begin to understand more of Dr. King’s life and the Civil Rights Movement.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
Donald Bermudez provides new illustrations done in a retro 50’s and 60’s style which give it an interesting historical touch. Book extras include a foreword by Xerona Clayton, an Afterword focusing on the creation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, words and music to the song “We Shall Overcome”, and a bibliography of other resources. Overall, it is a fine early chapter biography that young elementary readers can use to begin to understand more of Dr. King’s life and the Civil Rights Movement.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
October 14, 2020
I have a deep love for material that aims wide, clear, and is straightforward enough that it appeals to a wider audience because frankly, it’s a lot harder to be simple than convoluted. This Young Adult book by Ed Clayton is a great example. Martin Luther King Jr. personally hired Ed Clayton as a PR man for the civil rights movement. One of his tasks was introducing MLK Jr. to a wider audience so he wrote this concise biography about his upbringing and his work. It is a perfect way to go from 0/10 to like 5/10 on MLK Jr knowledge very quickly.
September 27, 2017
This was an advanced read proof copy of an idealized version of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for young people. The finished product promises color artwork and a copy of Dr. King's "I Have A Dream" speech. This was a free review copy obtained through Goodreads.com. It was easy to read but much factual information about Dr. King was left out so read other works about the reverend.
February 5, 2018
This book was written for beginner chapter book readers. The author not only shared about Martin Luthur King, Jr, but where his family started and what they did before. I believe we see a better picture of a person when we know their family history and how they were raised. This book gives the full story of who Dr. King was and why he is such an important person in the history of the US.
August 12, 2018
On the fiftieth anniversary of Dr. King’s death, this short biography has been resurrected and re-worked. Originally published in 1964, the book was written by people who knew and worked with the Kings. Chapters were added about what happened after the March on Washington. Vivid illustrations, many of them based on photographs, help to tell the story.
March 11, 2019
Nice biography of King's determination to improve the world around him through peaceful means as Gandhi had. Introduces children to some of his struggles and many of his successes as he navigated the segregated South and worked tirelessly and fearlessly to bring about change.
September 7, 2019
My son and I read this book together. Though we both thought we already knew a lot about Dr. King, we were both pleasantly surprised to read and learn new information. Words fail to express the gratitude I feel to this great leader.
January 13, 2020
Fantastic biography! Great for 3rd-5th graders who are looking for a well-written biography with facts and depth. Children may want to learn more after reading this book and seek more details about specific events in Dr. Kong’s life.
September 28, 2017
Clayton has provided a good biography of Martin Luther King, Jr for grade school children. Good for a good early chapter book reader.
My copy was a gift through Goodread First Reads.
My copy was a gift through Goodread First Reads.
January 27, 2018
This is a well done chapter book that summarizes King's life. Interesting illustrations and the main facts were discussed. Good for younger readers. Also reviewed on kiss the book.
September 25, 2020
Accessible biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. that lets us know about his parents and home, his schooling, and how he ended up being a central figure in the US Civil Rights fight of the 1960s.
January 22, 2023
Such a great book to get to know the background on MLK, Jr
May 6, 2023
Replete with information of MLK’s childhood and spiritual influence. Glory to God.
September 20, 2016
This book by Ed Clayton is a short biography of the late Dr. King, inspiring in its brevity and tale of courage. A good source for students to read as background material to the "I Have a Dream" speech so well known in our world.
February 28, 2011
I have just began to read this book.It is okay so far
December 10, 2012
I love this book. so much history and very well worded. so much imagery was forming in my head when i was reading this book. i could not put it down. I LOVED IT!!!!!!
January 18, 2016
A good one day read on MLK Day. Meant for children but good for everyone.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews