Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a great chance to share the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with kids in a fun and inspiring way. Hoopla has a wonderful collection of Martin Luther King Jr. Day kids’ eBooks, audiobooks, and comics that bring his message of equality and kindness to life.  

When Do We Observe MLK Day? 

When is MLK Day 2026? Martin Luther King Jr. Day always falls on the third Monday in January, so this year it’s on January 19.  

What Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day? 

MLK Day is a perfect time to read together, listen to inspiring stories, and celebrate Dr. King’s dreams. Hoopla has inspiring, engaging eBooks, audiobooks, and comics that can help children understand King’s message about fairness, kindness, and standing up for what’s right. Kids can explore Dr. King’s childhood, his fight for civil rights, and the way he changed America through nonviolence. Here are some titles: 

Colorful illustrated cover of Meet the Greats: Martin Luther King Jr. showing Dr. King giving a speech. Read it on Hoopla for free!

Martin Luther King Jr. by Tim Cooke 

This biography traces Dr. King’s life, major milestones, and enduring speeches and writings. It outlines his journey from young Georgia pastor to the legendary civil rights leader who inspired change through nonviolence. 


Martin Luther King Jr. by Patricia McKissack is available on Hoopla for free with your library card.

Martin Luther King Jr. by Patricia McKissack 

This straightforward, easy-to-read book explores King’s life and how he brought people together to fight for equality without using violence. It’s a terrific way to help kids begin to understand the civil rights movement and what made Dr. King so special.


Martin Luther King Jr. by Kristen Susienka is on Hoopla

Martin Luther King Jr. by Kristen Susienka  

This biography is an accessible, engaging introduction to Dr. King’s life. It highlights his courage, kindness, and wisdom and discusses how his efforts and influence have made the US a better place. 

My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. written and read by Martin Luther King III and it's on Hoopla!

My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. written and read by Martin Luther King III 

This memoir offers a heartfelt glimpse into one of history’s most remarkable families and the unique bond between father and son. Martin Luther King Jr.’s son shares personal memories, revealing the loving man behind the civil rights icon during a pivotal era in American history. 


We Dream a World: Carrying the Light from My Grandparents Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott written and read by Yolanda Renee King on Hoopla for MLK Day

We Dream a World: Carrying the Light from My Grandparents Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott written and read by Yolanda Renee King  

With love for her grandparents, Yolanda King inspires young people to continue their elders’ legacy while forging their own path. Her words address today’s challenges—like equality, bullying, climate change, and inclusion—offering comfort and encouragement to the next generation.


Martin Rising written and read by Andrea Davis Pinkney is on Hoopla for kids. Let's celebrate MLK Day!

Martin Rising written and read by Andrea Davis Pinkney 

This poetic work celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.’s nonviolent fight for civil rights, portraying his transformative impact on America. Using metaphor, spirituality, and layered meaning, it reflects on his final months and assassination, offering a fresh, moving perspective. 

Martin Luther King, Jr.: Great Civil Rights Leader by Jennifer Fandel and Brian Bascle is on Hoopla

Martin Luther King, Jr.: Great Civil Rights Leader by Jennifer Fandel and Brian Bascle 

This graphic novel tells the story of Dr. King’s life, with a triumphant focus on the civil rights movement to end racism, segregation, and discrimination in the United States.


Martin Luther King Jr. by Joeming Dunn is on Hoopla

Martin Luther King Jr. by Joeming Dunn and Chris Allen 

Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and achievements are vividly brought to life in an informative nonfiction graphic novel, proving that real-life superheroes are great topics for comic books! 

Celebrate Dr. King’s Legacy 

With your library card, Hoopla lets you access eBooks, audiobooks, and comics anytime, so kids can discover the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. wherever they are. Hoopla is a free, simple way to share the important words and deeds of Dr. King with kids, giving them tools to make their own change in the world.

Download these free activities to help your kids explore Dr. King’s story, spark meaningful conversations, and imagine how they can make a difference, too:

MLK Activity Sheets from Hoopla

*Title availability may vary.