With illlustrations by James Ransome and a unique braided narrative, this picture book shows how young activists can follow Dr. King’s example and be drum majors for justice in their own schools and communities. The poetic text is tailor-made for choral reading. I just love hearing students chant, “You can be a King!”

Carole Boston Weatherford and Gregory Christie, the team behind the Caldecott Honor book Freedom in Congo Square, first collaborated on Dear Mr. Rosenwald. The story in verse conveys how sharecroppers invested in education to give their children a brighter future. The new paperback edition includes lots of primary sources in the back matter. This under-the-radar book garnered four starred reviews and an SCBWI Golden Kite Honor and was adopted by Boston Public Schools for all second graders. Dear Mr. Rosenwald is ideal for a K-5 common read. Available only on Amazon.