National Geographic Readers

February 1, 2013
Grades 1-3 This Level 3 reader begins with just the right question for the intended audience: Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.? Then, young readers are asked to imagine living in a time when black and white children couldn't swim in the same pools or attend the same schools. In nine sections (not numbered), the book, in bright visuals and engaging text, offers up information about Dr. King's childhood, his studies, and, of course, his work on behalf of equal rights. There are 8 Awesome Facts about Dr. King, including this impressive stat: he gave 2,500 speeches during the last 11 years of his life. The large typeface and varied sentence structure is ideal for emergent readers, and the text is broken up frequently by stirring period photos, words to know, and a time line. A concluding quiz tests comprehension, and a pictorial glossary will help reinforce vocabulary. A graphically engaging introduction to a visionary who, luckily, left us his words to remember him by. This also offers kids the opportunity to become a Super Reader via an online rewards program.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)