A Lesson for Martin Luther King Jr.: Ready-to-Read Level 2

by Denise Lewis Patrick, Rodney S. Pate (Illustrator)

Young Martin Luther King Jr. is having some problems with his best friend, Bobby. First, they are going to different schools this year. Next, Bobby's dad is not letting his son play with Martin. When Martin learns why, he is confused and hurt--but he learns a lesson that he will never forget.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Biography, Childrens, African American, Read For School

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Cheryl]

Not sure what lessons a second grader would internalize from this very sad story of how a white child's parents stopped him from playing with a black child (Martin Luther King).

My concern is that this book is for seven year olds and I feel it is unbalanced in its focus on the negative.

Here is where I'm coming from on this:
I have few illusions about this being a perfect world. As a parent, I learned not to trust a stranger to discuss topics like this appropriately with my very young children. My daughters were surrounded by a diverse group of people who cared very much about them and I didn't tolerate people interfering with that while the girls were very young. As each got older, both knew and recognized good people. By then, they both were definitely able to not condemn an entire race/ethnicity/gender/etc for the stupidity of some. Both had the knowledge and skills to resist being taught to hate either their own race or that of others. We don't ignore the stupidity, or hide from it, but we focus our energies instead on learning from and appreciating those who had the courage to act differently in similar situations. Both of my daughters are now adults, far better equipped than I was to confront and help change things into something better.

[Stephanie James]

Loved that my 6 year old daughter picked this out and understands it.

[SL]

This is my first time encountering a non-fiction early reader about Martin Luther King Jr. But I really enjoyed it because the text is on par for a K-2 reading level but it doesn't simplify the story itself.(Also the illustrations are lovely!)

Martin's friendship with Bobby, a white boy, abruptly ends because Bobby's father doesn't want his son interacting with Martin. Martin loses a friend but learns the harsh reality that people are judged by the color of their skin and that that isn't ok. This book would be perfect for teachers to use with younger students for a Martin Luther King Jr. unit as well as fostering a discussion on racism and the impact it can have on friendship.

[Alexander]

I like this book because Martin Luther King Junior said I will try to change peoples minds

[Difan Zhao]

Enjoyed it

Thank you for writing this book for children. It will help a lot of people understand race when they are young.

[Naomi]

Very good book. I only gave it three stars because it doesn't tell his story, it just tells the lesson.

[Ms. B]

A quick little read about an episode from Martin Luther King Jr.'s childhood.

[KaitandMaddie]

A relatable experience from MLK, Jr’s childhood.

[Bailey Black]

Biography- This was a true story from Martin Luther King Jr.'s childhood. It teaches young children about the discrimination African American's experienced in a way that protects their innocence and that they can relate to.

[Rosa Cline]

This is a level 2 children's reader. It is a bit 'choppy' but the storyline was a great one to help teach children what Martin Luther King Jr as a child must have felt and possibly what he had to endure. He didn't know why a neighborhood boy wouldn't no longer play with him. When the little boy finally tells him it's because his dad refuses to let him Martin doesn't understand. So at supper his parents and sister explain about the law that blacks and whites can't be together or do the same things. Martin doesn't think this is fair or right and decides that he wants to do something to wrong that right when he becomes an adult. Again the story was choppy my two special needs sons (that normally can follow level 2 books) was 'lost' in this story but the meaning and the storyline was a good one.

[Dolly]

This is a short story for beginning readers that gives an account of an episode in Martin Luther King Jr.'s childhood. The narrative is easy to read and the illustrations are colorful and expressive with a textured appearance. We read this book in honor of Dr. King's birthday and we enjoyed learning more about an event in his early life that helped to shape the great man he became.

interesting quote:

"You may have lost a friend today. But I want you to remember that friendship has no color, Martin." (p. 31)

[Denesha Allen]

Because Martin Luther King Jr. is a very important and legendary figure, this book is a must have in many classrooms. It's an easy read for students starting at first grade and up. This book fosters valuable information and the illustrations are beautiful.Young readers are introduced to segregation, Jim Crow laws, King's incarceration, protests, speeches and the events the led up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This book also has a glossary in the back to help with difficult words.

[Codie Gates]

Young Martin Luther King Jr. is having some problems with his best friend, Bobby. First, they are going to different schools this year. Next, Bobby's dad is not letting his son play with Martin. When Martin learns why, he is confused and hurt -- but he learns a lesson that he will never forget.

Another great book to use during February and Black History Month.

[Marilyn]

Cool story about losing a friend because friend's dad said he couldn't play with Martin anymore (because of the color of his skin). Good discussion about treating people differently because of how they look, etc.

[Suzanne]

An easily understood story of an episode in Martin's childhood. A good starting point for a lesson on Dr. King that will appeal to younger students.

[Shelli]

A Lesson for Martin Luther King Jr. is a short story for early readers about an time in his youth when he experienced racism. This would be a good book for read aloud or independent reading.

[J.]

AR Quiz No. 75356 EN Nonfiction
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: LG - BL: 2.2 - AR Pts: 0.5