my brother Martin, by Christine King Farris, Illustrated by Chris Soentpiet
        This picture storybook is told by Martin Luther King Jr.'s older sister, Christine King Farris. She remembers the day that he was born and that he slept in her old crib. She also remembers the day her youngest brother, A.D., was born. She recounts the antics of her and her siblings like scaring people on the street with a mink stole. However, Farris also recounts how their white childhood friends eventually refused to play with her brothers because of their skin color. After this, it brought the King siblings to a new understanding of the discrimination around them. Their mom explained the unfair laws and horrible treatment. She also explained her belief that one day this will be different to which her son, Martin Luther King, expressed that he will change the unfairness. Their father also expressed how he handled discrimination. He was never disrespectful to anyone, but he never let himself be disrespected either. Martin Luther King Jr.'s experiences and parents influenced his dream and the movement that he began. The book ends by mentioning that he did have a dream "that turned the world upside down." The end of the book also includes a poem by Mildred D. Johnson that inspires readers to imitate Martin Luther King's qualities. This book has won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work for children.
      This book would be most appropriate in second, third, and fourth-grade classrooms. It is a great example of a reliable primary source when working on a research project or paper. Students could use this book when learning the research and writing process. It is written in language that is easy to understand and is engaging for the students. Additionally, this book would be great for a read-aloud in the classroom during Black History Month or when students are learning about the Civil Rights movement in social studies. It appropriately portrays the brutality of discrimination for the age of the students without overwhelming them with the gore and violence of the time. Additionally, students could also read this book when they are learning about character traits like respect or self-respect, courage, and grit. The poem in the back of the book also inspires readers to become like Martin Luther King Jr. in various ways like reading, praying, being peaceful, and being intelligent. This could inspire students to become like him in certain aspects and appreciate his character traits. Anyone has the potential to change the course of history. Additionally, students could write similar poems about other historical figures either from the Civil Rights Movement or other events. This allows students to express themselves through poetry and make the historical figure more real to them.