Book review: 'Martin Luther King Jr: Voice for Equality! tells a moving story about a determined man

Narrators Libby and Sam are back, and this time they tell the moving story of Martin Luther King Jr. in another installment of the new "Show Me History!" series. And guys, I really liked this book.

Image from Portable Press

First of all, did you know MLK Jr was originally named Michael? His dad changed both their names after returning home from a trip to Europe.

This book tells more of King's story all while also explaining the plight of U.S. African Americans in the mid-20th century. Readers can learn about King going to school, getting married, and how he chose to live in the racist southern portion of the country even though the north was friendlier to non-Caucasians. King understood that to help racism end, he'd need to go to its heart. Using examples from King's life to show young readers of racist attitudes of the 1960s really helps put the issue on a personal level for anyone lucky enough to have never dealt with such negativity.

Image from Portable Press

Learning about King's strong Christian background and his certainty that he could help change laws, all in a peaceful manner, is truly moving. I appreciated that author James Buckley Jr. didn't shy away from King's religious background. Instead, he embraced it; something that is often uncommon in today's history books. King's devotion to Christianity truly helped mold him into the man he was and guided him in his peaceful reactions to violence and his decisions to move forward in bravery.

This "Show Me History!" series has again hit the jackpot in telling stories in a graphic novel format. The full-color illustrations done by Youneek Studios are fantastic and make this book a page-turning masterpiece. I particularly enjoyed the emotion and pathos portrayed on many of the people depicted.

My kids have been taking these "Show Me History!" books from me as quickly as they can and my daughter even got up early a few mornings ago to read this one before school.This series has been such a wonderful way for them to learn more about history.

Image from Portable Press

"Martin Luther King Jr: Voice for Equality!" has nothing offensive in it. The riots of the civil rights movement and King's murder are dealt with in seriousness but without any gore.

Buckley lives in California with his family and is also the author of many of the "Who Was..." books. Youneek Studios specializes in African history and was started by Roye Okupe, from Nigeria.

Book breakdown:
96 pages
Full color illustrations in graphic novel format
Best for ages: 7+
Educational factor: medium high
Christian content: yes, I appreciated how much King's religion was spoken of
Parents could be concerned about: The violence of civil rights movement and King's murder are referenced