NONFICTION BIOGRAPHY FOR INTERMEDIATE-AGE CHILDREN
Nonfiction literature opens so many doors for young learners to deepen their understanding of the world around them. A common form of nonfiction literature is biographies. Biographies are defined as "an account of a person's life, or part of a life history by someone else or the person him- or herself (Galda et al., 2017, p. 13)." Biographies should be available for children to read and explore because they offer factual information that can help them better understand the history and people's experiences. It benefits young learners because they can typically see the progression of someone's life from childhood to adulthood, highlighting challenges and successes.
BOOK SUMMARY
Martin Luther King Jr. and the March on Washington is a children's biography that follows Martin Luther King Jr. and the impactful events on August 28, 1963. This book introduces facts about the day, including the number of people that attended and the speech by Martin Luther King Jr. that spoke out against segregation and the reality of inequality.
BOOK EVALUATION
The accurate details from the March on Washington introduce clear information that young children can understand. The portrayal of the subject is well developed and avoids stereotypes. These components qualify Martin Luther King Jr. and the March on Washington as a quality biography that will support young children as they explore such a deep and meaningful topic. The illustrations give the reader a window into the event with authentic photographs. These help display emotions and support the overall purpose of Martin Luther King Jr. and the March on Washington.
MOTIVATIONAL ACTIVITIES
1. Mix It Up Lunch- Encourage children to step out of their everyday routines and interact with new people. This activity will support young children to make friends with different individuals.
2. Virtual Tour of the National Civil Rights Museum- Take children on a virtual tour of the National Civil Rights Museum and encourage them to ask questions in a safe and tolerant environment. https://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/visit
READER RESPONSE QUESTIONS
1. If you could ask or say anything to MLK Jr., what would it be?
2. What should you do if you see someone being treated unfairly?
3. What was Martin Luther King Jr. advocating for in his "I Have A Dream" speech?
SIMILAR BOOKS
1. The Story of Harriet Tubman by Christine Platt
3. Malala's Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai and Kera Ascoet
4. The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles and George Ford
References
Coles, R., & Ford, G. (2012). The story of Ruby Bridges.
Galda, L., Liang, L. A., & Cullinan, B. E. (2017). Literature and the child. Cengage Learning.
Platt, C. A. (2020). The story of Harriet Tubman: A biography book for new readers. Rockridge Press.
Ruffin, F. E., & Marchesi, S. (2012). Martin Luther King, jr. and the March on Washington. Penguin Young Readers.
Stone, T. L., & Gibbon, R. (2010). Elizabeth leads the way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the right to vote. Square Fish.
Yousafzai, M., & Kerascoët. (2019). Malala's Magic Pencil. Puffin.
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