My Uncle Martin's Words for America Angela Farris Watkins, PhD. 2011. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers ISBN: 9781419700224 Biography Grades K–4

This inspiring story recounts some of the important events in the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. It is told from the point of view of his niece, Angela, in the voice of a child. Using key words from his speeches it conveys Doctor King's message of peace, love and nonviolence in the face of injustice and prejudice. Abstract concepts such as justice, freedom and equality are introduced and defined in a way that makes them understandable to children and the impressive artwork clearly illustrates important events in history. The repeated line "When Uncle Martin used the word __________, people listened and things changed!" will resonate with children. In addition to the story the author includes a timeline of significant historic events, an author's note, a glossary, a bibliography of Dr. King's writing, other related books, illustration captions and an index to further clarify story content. This inspirational read aloud will engage students and enrich every teacher's classroom collection in the study of African American history.

• Have the children discuss times when they felt they were being treated unfairly. What happened? How did they feel? How did they solve the problem?
• Relate this discussion to events leading up to the Civil Rights Movement and the feelings of African Americans when they were treated unjustly.
• After reading the book discuss the actions of Dr. King and how he was able to bring about change in a peaceful and loving manner.
• Review some of the abstract concepts such as justice and freedom and have students create illustrations that exemplify these concepts.
• Do further research on the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. King's work by exploring some of the resources noted in the back of the book.