Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a great day to get outside and volunteer. But if you find yourself inside instead, here are 5 books to remember what this amazing man did in his lifetime. 

  1. The autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr

Let’s start with an account of his life by the man himself. Compiled after King’s death this volume combines his papers to tell his life story in his own words.  

  1. Speeches by Martin Luther King, Jr

I listened to this on audio and it is an opportunity to hear King’s voice as he delivers 32 of his most remembered speeches. Everyone should listen to the I Have a Dream speech with King’s voice. 

  1. The three mothers: how the mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin shaped a nation

Our mothers have a huge influence on us and King was no difference. Read about three amazing women who through their sons had an impact on our country. 

  1. Walden, and on the Duty of Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau

In many of his writings, King quotes Thoreau and credit him for his platform of non-violence revolution. 

  1. Dear Martin

An interesting way to learn about King’s life. In this book, a young man deals with racism by writing letters to King. Do King’s beliefs still hold up in our modern world?