Tonya Bolden’s meticulous and personal biography of Martin Luther King, Jr., offers young readers compelling insight into the man’s life and work. The author’s description of Reverend King’s uncertainty, fear, and self-doubt lends even greater importance to the difficult moral choices he made while illuminating his devotion to the principle of agape , a “love that has nothing to do with liking a person, a love worthy of people who do you no good and even do you wrong.” An honest account of topics such as King’s uninspired early academic career, the disagreement among the leaders of the civil rights movement regarding his role, and King’s decision to speak out against the war in Vietnam also lend depth and humanity to an iconic figure. Frequent photographs, some familiar and some new, and the judicious use of boxed text and color blocks combine in a visually appealing, inspiring volume. (Ages 10–15)

An inspiring biography of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. from Coretta Scott King Honor Award winner Tonya Bolden

Most people know Martin Luther King, Jr. as a Nobel Peace Prize winner, a renowned orator, and a central and revered figure in the history of the struggle for civil rights. Tonya Bolden traces how he became this public figure, discussing the events, people, and decisions that shaped his destiny.

Bolden collaborated with civil rights photographer Bob Adelman to include more than 80 images of M.L.K. preaching, leading marches, being arrested, and overcoming the violence and prejudice around him juxtaposed with images of his wife and family, of his fellow protestors, and of other leaders of the day. A wonderful tribute, M.L.K. provides readers the opportunity to see the world through King's eyes, introducing a fresh, moving perspective to a familiar historical figure.