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

by Christine King Farris, Chris K. Soentpiet (Illustrator)

Renowned educator Christine King Farris, older sister of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., joins with celebrated illustrator Chris Soentpiet to tell this “outstanding” ( School Library Journal ) and inspirational story of how one boyhood experience inspired a movement that would change the world as we know it.

Mother Dear, one day I ’ m going to turn this world upside down.

Long before he became a world-famous dreamer, Martin Luther King Jr. was a little boy who played jokes and practiced the piano and made friends without considering race. But growing up in the segregated south of the 1930s taught young Martin a bitter lesson—little white children and little black children were not to play with one another. Martin decided then and there that something had to be done. And so he began the journey that would change the course of American history.

Genres: Biography, Picture Books, History, Nonfiction, Childrens, African American, Family

40 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Professor at Spellman College for 49 years and oldest sibling of Martin Luther King, Jr. Writer of a number of children's books.

From a CNN interview:

As she sits in her office surrounded by those memories, she says it's now more urgent than ever that she add her own chapter to his story.

She's the only one left.

"I thought about all that I've been through and all these memories and sometimes it gets tough," she said. "By being the lone survivor, if I don't do this, a part of history will be left out."

Reviews

[Brina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today I am substitute teaching fourth grade and I am pleasantly surprised that this story written by Christine King Ferris is the first selection in the year’s language arts book. Ferris describes growing up with her brother Martin in Atlanta during the segregation years and the lessons imparted to her and her brothers by their parents Reverend Martin Luther King Sr and their mother known as Mother Dear. Both parents preached in their own way that one day people will understand that blacks and whites are the same and that the walls of injustice will come tumbling down. Martin known as ML in their home said that one day he would change the world, and we all know that he did.

I thought that this story was written in a way that even first grade students could understand but would still generate discussion amongst fourth and fifth graders. As one who reads a lot on the civil rights movement, I take for granted that not all of today’s school children are aware of events that took place over sixty years ago. Ms King’s story is a wonderful entry point for them and a worthy story to use in schools during African American history month.

4 stars

[Mariah Roze · Rating 4 out of 5]

My students were really excited to read this book. They loved hearing about the pranks that M.L. played when he was little. They enjoyed hearing about him playing the piano and learning about his interests and likes. It also explained what led M.L. to become a leader.

[Debbie W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great first introduction to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for young children!

[Relyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have adequate words to praise this book well enough. I read this book each year when I introduce our Civil Rights unit to my second graders. When I tell you that I have never read this line aloud without crying, maybe it will give you an idea of the books power.

Mother dear, some day I am going to turn this world upside down.

He did, oh he did.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christine King Farris shares some of her childhood experiences with her famous brother, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in this lovely work of picture-book biography. From the mischievous fun that she and her two brothers, M.L. (Martin Luther) and A.D. (Alfred Daniel) would get up to together, to the role of their grandparents in helping to raise them, this is a book full of family love. It is also a book about the injustice of segregation, which made itself felt early in the lives of the King children, growing up in Atlanta, Georgia. In a particularly poignant anecdote, Farris describes how she and her brothers would play with all the local children, including the sons of a white storeowner, until they were separated by race. She goes on to describe how her brother worked throughout his life to "turn this world upside down," challenging the evils of racism and segregation, to build a world where all are treated justly, and where all children can play together, regardless of race...

After finding Doreen Rappaport and Bryan Collier's Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. such a deeply flawed book (see my review for more details), I have recently been thinking about which other picture-books about Martin Luther King, Jr. I would recommend in its place. Last week was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day here in the states, and I decided to request My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to honor the occasion. It came in a little late, but I am nevertheless very glad to have read it. Not only does it offer a unique perspective on the childhood of one of America's most celebrated sons, but it delivers where the Rappaport/Collier title fails, in embodying the ideals of its subject matter. Given that this is a book which focuses on King's youth, and is in turn meant for the young, I thought the depiction of how racial segregation effected young people and their friendships was particularly on point. The story involving the erstwhile white friends of the King children was terribly sad, but the conclusion of the book, showing a black and white child running together hand in hand, offers hope, as well as a celebration of the changes that have occurred in American society. I really appreciated this approach, and think it makes for a wonderfully child-centered narrative about King and his vision.

When I think of the toxic discourse surrounding race that is becoming ever more common in some progressive circles these days - Ekow N. Yankah's recent New York Times editorial questioning whether it was possible for his children to have white friends springs to mind, in this regard - I also think this book highlights how far we have fallen from that vision. Still, the dream is not lost, and hope spring eternal. Farris' book is one that celebrates and promulgates that dream, and is one I would wholeheartedly recommend to any picture-book readers seeking titles about MLK. Not only is it both educational and well-told, it features lovely artwork from illustrator Chris Soentpiet. For my part, I think I will keep on exploring the picture-books about Martin Luther King, Jr. that are available, to build up a body of works that I can recommend, in this area.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a children's picture book written by Christine King Farris and illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet. Farris' stirring memoir of her younger brother "M.L." focuses on a pivotal moment in their childhood in Atlanta.

Martin Luther King Jr. was an American Christian minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. King is best known for advancing civil rights through nonviolence and civil disobedience, inspired by his Christian beliefs and the nonviolent activism of Mahatma Gandhi.

Farris' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. The conversational narrative easily and convincingly draws readers into the daily life of Christine and her two brothers, Martin Luther (M.L.) and Alfred Daniel (A.D.) as they grew up. Backmatter includes an author’s note, childhood photos of Martin, and a poem by Mildred D Johnson. Soentpiet illustrates this exchange with a powerful watercolor portrait of mother and son that encapsulates many emotions, including hope, pain and love.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It centers of the early life of Martin Luther King, as they listen to their grandmother's stories, stage pranks and romp in the backyard with two white brothers from across the street. The adults in the King family, maternal grandparents, and a great-aunt try to shield the children from the overt racism of the times. When the white boys announce one day that they cannot play with M.L. and A.D. because they are "Negroes," the young Kings are hurt and baffled until it is explained to them and M.L. vows to change it and turn the world upside down.

All in all, My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a welcome biography of a moment in the childhood of Martin Luther King, Jr.

[debbicat *made of stardust* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this with students for MLK holiday this year. Very good!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's little argument that MLK is an important man to learn about and glean wisdom from. This book, aimed at a youth audience, offers perspective on the man from his sister's point of view. Probably the best lesson that comes from it is that he was an ordinary child who went on to do extraordinary things. In other words, we all have great potential regardless of our circumstances.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is from Martin Luther King Jr.'s sister's perspective about her brother. She chronicles his life and accomplishments. A great cross curricular book for social studies and literacy.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Brother Martin, is a biography by his loving sister, Christine King Farris. This book is all about Martin Luther King Jr., and what inspired him to want to change the world. His father was a huge inspiration for his beliefs and his ideals, also the boys that he played with when he was a boy, and also just living in that society were people with a different skin color were treated very poorly. It shares moments of bravery, truth, sometimes justice, and a little frustration. When he was a child, he had a lot of moments where people did not accept him because he was black. They also did not respect older negros as well. He eventually had enough, and wanted to do something about it.
I thought this book was very educational. It taught me stuff about Martin Luther King Jr. that I had no idea about, or maybe I just forgot. It was very inspirational and heartbreaking at the same time. The book gave me lots of details and stories and memories, that I really enjoyed listening to. Of course, the sad ones were not a joy to listen to, but they helped me understand him and his siblings more than I thought they would. I love the way that she wrote it. She wrote it as if I was looking through her eyes, and I could see everything that she was describing to me.
A theme that I would pick for this one is, “Without equality, there is no love.” You can really feel and understand what it must have been like when you read the book. I also makes sense. Being in the segregation, blacks were not treated as equals to the whites. The whites had no love, and no consideration for the blacks, or any other color besides white. But then once it was over, there was more friendships and relationships, and love. It takes someone to stand up and fight for others to follow. Some people do that today, some are the leaders leading them. I would be a leader. When something is not right, I do something about it, and that’s exactly what Martin Luther King Jr. did. He stood up for all coloured people and fought for what was right and equal.

[Trista Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is called My brother Martin by Christine King Farris; This book talks about how Martin Luther King Jr’s childhood in Christine’s perspective. Some things in this book that had big effects on Martin would be when his friends told him they couldn’t play with them anymore because of their skin color. Another time is when his dad stood up for their color to a police officer that pulled them over. One more example of his childhood would be when he was talking to his mom. He told her that he was going to turn this world upside down.
This book is a good book and it tells you some of the parts of Martin Luther King Jr’s childhood and how it had effects on him. I agree with Christine, the author of the book, with the way she presents the world. People were not nice to people with colored skin like Martin and Christine. Life was not easy nor good for these people. People shouldn’t be treating others like this, and people shouldn’t be treated the way they were. This book is a good book that will make you realize how much people with colored skin felt about it. It makes you feel bad about it all!
Everyone deserves to be equal. In this book, Martin’s mother is talking to him, telling him how at this period of time, blacks don’t have the same opportunities as whites. She also tells Martin that people don’t necessarily like them. People weren't treated right. They are people, just like whites are people. People with colored skin should have the same rights as whites. Martin had a dream that everyone should be as one. It doesn’t matter what color of skin people have. What matters is who you are on the inside. Everyone should have an equal chance.

[Errin Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book fits into the genre of memoir and biographies and is written for children ages P-I.

This story is about the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. through the eyes of his sister. She goes on to talk about the memories she had of him from the time he was born and on.

I enjoyed this story and liked how his life was told in a way that young children would be able to understand. The word choice was very appropriate for young children. The pictures were colorful and complimented the story very well. I think children will be able to understand the point of what was going on in the story. It gave detail, on a child's level,of what segregation was like and how it affected the children who were friends in the story. Though it was a child's book it still discussed a real life situation. That's why I gave this story a 5 star rating.

This book can be used in the classroom by allowing children to understand what segregation means and how things were during that day in time versus how things have changed today. They can also talk about feelings and how they would feel if they were told they couldn't play with their friends or how they would feel if they had to grow up in a time like that.

[Ch_nataliepelaia · Rating 4 out of 5]

For ages 4 and up

Christine was Martin Luther King's older sister and she tells the story of her brother growing up. She explains the fun days they all had together, her and her two brothers, of playing together, listening to stories that their grandmother would tell and even playing pranks on the neighbors. They were fun loving kids, but lived in a time where black people did not have all of the same rights or freedoms as white people. In the book it showed how Christine and her brothers could not go to the park or to the movies. They couldn't even play with the white children they use to play with.
Their family never gave up hope and M.L decided that one day he would "turn this world upside down" in his efforts to fight for equal rights for his people.
It was interesting to read a book about M.L King in his younger days. How, even as a young child he had the hope to change the world around , and he certainly accomplished this dream. I enjoyed the illustrations, the emotions are shown through the pages so clearly. Maybe younger children would identify with M.L. King's younger years and how he made his dreams come true.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book of memories from Martin Luther King’s sister, Christine. From birth through childhood, Martin, his sister and brother helped each other while family members visited and/or worked. It’s a most beautiful story of siblings playing all day long, helping each other play pranks and on, like every child during this time. There was a white family that owned a local grocery, and their boys played with Martin and his siblings. But one day I guess they got too old, and told Martin and his brother they couldn’t play together any more because they were negroes. It was a change. Their father, a minster, always kept his dignity and showed Martin how to do that too. I saw Chris Soentpiet present at my reading conference this year. His process for the beautiful realistic acrylic paintings is amazing. He takes many photos, stages the scenes, then does the layout and drawings. This time, his live models are friends and living descendants of Dr. King. There is this explanation plus an author’s note and an inspirational poem in the back matter.

[Andrea Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrea Thomas

12/04/2017

Text to World Connection

There is still so many unjustices going on in this world today has it was when Martin Luther King Jr., was growing up. We still are judging people by the color of their skin. Tring to put up walls to keep others out of the USA for what its also their land too if they choose for it to be. I don't get it people are still getting lower pay just because they are a woman when we should be equal we can also do what me can do when we put our minds to it. I just don't understand. Time then and time now is really the same with all of the way that some people are treating others

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story of MLK's life is from a totally different perspective from the one typically given. As the author points out, she lived the experiences described in the book with Martin, and that gives her a different lens for sharing about him than anyone else has. Farris tells of a Martin who was inquisitive, mischievous, and fun-loving as well as determined and hard-working. This is a good book to compare/ contrast with other books about MLK's life. I really enjoyed this perspective.

[Gloria]

Show that even as a child you can dream that you will one day change the world, if you really put your mind to it. This book may be used in conjunction with others to talk about historical figures and not just during Black History Month.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written story by Dr. King's sister. The love she portrays through her words are touching.

[Karen Bessin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful message and beautiful illustrations. Highly recommended.

[Candi Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great children's biography of MLK Jr, from his sister's perspective.

[Marynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Brother Martin by Christine King Farris is about Martin Luther King JR. and his childhood, written by his sister. He wanted to change the world.This happen because some white people owned a store across the street and told him they couldn't play because he was black and they were white. His parents were his examples. His father stood up when the police stopped him and called him a boy.
The book was worth my time because I learned new things about like that he was a troublemaker and liked playing pranks. I learned that he lived in Georgia and had siblings. Also that he wanted to change the world since he was a child. And that he learned to play the piano. The book make me feels like I can accomplish anything I want if just put my mind to it just like Martin Luther King.
It is important for people to stand up for what they believe in. Martin Luther King JR believe that all people were created equal and he worked hard for it he gave speeches Like “I Have a Dream.” Martin’s dad stood up for himself and Martin when a shoe salesman refuse to serve them because they were black, he took him to another store.Overall, this book was good it showed me how Martin Luther King lived his childhood and how that made him into the Civil Right leader.

[Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written for reading aloud as students start to learn about MLK Jr. because they can see him as a child - pranks and all - from his sister's point of view. More importantly, the reader can see how Martin Luther King Jr.'s beliefs and future work were influenced by his family and community. Martin's Big Words (Rappaport, 2001) would be a good follow-up read aloud because it picks up near the end of Farris' book with just a bit about his childhood and then how he became a minister...and social justice advocate.

Five Recommended Read Alouds as part of integrated unit on civil rights period -
1) My Brother Martin by Farris
2) Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down by Pinkney
3) Delivering Justice: W. W. Law and the Fight for Civil Rights by Haskins
4) March On! by Farris
5) Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez by Krull

Each book lends itself to discussion about the following essential questions:
1) What is social justice?
2) How would you describe key figures who were activists in the civil rights movements? What is textual evidence to support your points?

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and his family while he was growing up. It is written by MLK's sister, Christine, and it contains some very interesting stories. It talks about how Martin took piano lessons and how he played pranks on people. Most importantly, it talks about Martin's first interactions with racism and how he reacted to it as a young boy.

I really loved the perspective that this book brought to the life of Martin Luther King Jr. . For many people, I think that MLK has become a sort of legend or an other worldly hero, but this book makes the life of MLK seem very relatable. Everyone can relate to not wanting to do something such as practice piano, and everyone can relate to being rejected by friends. This story definitely puts Martin Luther King Jr.'s life into perspective.

I would definitely read this to my class when we are learning about MLK or even in preparation for MLK Day. This story shows that even small children with big dreams can grow up to be very influential people, and I think that is a lesson that many kids need to hear.

[Maria Grigoras · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Brother Martin by Christine King Farris is a picture book autobiography written of Martin Luther King Jr by his own sister. She personally shares his story about how the King siblings grew up in Atlanta during a racially sensitive era. She describes how they would play with the white kids in the neighborhood and how one day that all changed. Martin was influenced by his father, who was a pastor, to share love and equality. Martin was determined he would turn the world upside down and he did just that.

This autobiography picture book highlights Martin Luther King's life in a way that appeals to a younger audience, despite the horrific events of that time. It was interesting to read from his older sister's point of view. She wrote the book in a way that is easy to read for kids because she spends time talking about the pranks she and her brothers would come up with. The brightly colored illustrations correlate well with the text and are appealing to the eye.

[Hector Alas · Rating 4 out of 5]

My brother martin is about a biography book by Christine King Farris is about Martin Luther King and ad and her little sister pulled a prank on the neighborhood and They pulled a prank on the piano teacher. They played with white kid then they moved all because they were black and never see the white kids again.

This book(My Brother Martin) is worth read because is about Martin Luther King Jr was a kid. The book is kind of racism because it the middle of the book the white kid parents didn’t want the kid to play with martin luther king and the rest with his family because they were black

The more you work the more you achieve because he worked hard to get the thing he wanted to accomplish like to give everybody equal right but he almost accomplish it because he worked hard as he can but he still get people to treat everybody nicely and because he still have a promise to his mother he said that he will turn the world upside down

[Matthew Slider · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Brother Martin is a book about Martin luther King Jr. and what he did in his life, his sister Christine King Farris Wrote the book. He had these friends that were white and they were really good friends ,then one day he went to there door, they told him that they could never play with him again because he was a different colored skin, then his friends moved. Him and his friends would play pranks on people. His Parent inspired him by telling him to stand up for himself and what to do.
This book was good because it tells us about how we should treat other people. We should treat them nicely. I did find that it was slow when the book talked about the very beginning. This was just a good book to read.
That you should be nice to different people. Like when the kids were being friends with Martin for a little bit. When Martin gave his speech about how we should treat each other. So you should be nice to others even if they're different.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

"My Brother Martin" is written by the older sister of Martin Luther King Jr. She remembers what it was like growing up in a time when did not understand why people treated them to the day that their mother told them the reason. She remembers that her little brother told his family that he was going to turn the world upside down one day, and he did.

I loved having a different perspective on the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Being from Memphis, I hear a lot about him due to its where he was killed, but I do not hear much about his childhood. His sister does a good job giving descriptions to where younger children will understand their pain even without going into deep details.

I would use this book for a history lesson when talking about Martin Luther King Jr. While they will already know some about him as an adult, it can show my students that they can dream while they are young and start changing the world. They do not need to be older to understand that change has to happen.

[J-Lynn Van Pelt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book describes Martin Luther King Jr. as a child through the eyes of his sister, Christine. MLK the hero becomes M.L., the very human boy as he learns about racism and segregation for the first time. The book does a good job of capturing the children of the King family in their day to day life. But, it also shows shades of what will come as Martin pledges to his mom, "Mother Dear, one day I'm going to turn this world upside down." The ending of the book alludes to his great accomplishments.

In the back of the book, there is a poem called "You Can Be Like Martin: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr." written by Mildred D. Johnson that could be used as a separate or complimentary reading. There is also an afterword by Christine King Farris and an extensive illustrator's note.

The illustrations are carefully detailed watercolors.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. No award
2. 1st-6th Grade
3. Martin Luther King Jr.'s older sister tells an eventful story about the sibling uprising to M.L's infamous speeches and bravery. The three lived together happily in Atlanta, Georgia playing with the neighborhood friends happily. Then one day everything changed and segregation and social injustice became apparent in their lives which sparked a dream for M.L. to pursue to "turn the world upside down."
4. I always enjoy a good book about Martin Luther King Jr.'s stories and his change to the world. This is a different perspective on his life through a family member instead of peers and others. I like the illustrator's realistic depiction of the characters in the story.
5. This book can be used in the classroom to study on Martin Luther Kind Jr.'s unforgettable actions and learning about point of views being told his MLK's life.

[KarMeka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written by Martin Luther King Jr’s sister, which would make it some that you can almost introduce this book as an animated primary source, because she is writing based on what she witness and endure in her life growing up in the house with MLK, which is a first hand account. This book would be excellent for a unit about change agents or heroes. Often times students are almost given the impression that public figured where “born great”, but they never highlight what they had to do and the things they had to go through to get there. This book shows that MLK was human just as you and I are and focuses on his more human side. The illustrations are excellent in this book and even go hand and hand with those in their actual house, down to the wall paper on the wall