A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech That Inspired a Nation
What’s inside...
A Place to Land reflects on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech and the movement that it galvanized. It explores how Martin King, Jr., with the help of advisors and fellow speech writers in the Willard Hotel, crafted his legendary speech the night before the March on Washington. Despite the speech not being originally intended for that day, it became a historic moment. The book, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and written by Barry Wittenstein, has received numerous awards and recognitions, celebrating its significant contribution to children's nonfiction literature.
Age
7-10
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Martin Luther King Jr.
Discussion points
How do you think Martin Luther King Jr. felt while he was preparing his speech?
What do you think 'I Have a Dream' means in the context of the book?
Why is it important for everyone to have a place where they feel they belong?
How can you help make someone feel welcome or included in your community?
What dream would you share to inspire others, like Martin Luther King Jr. did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set the scene by describing the historical context of Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech before diving into the book.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s illustrations and how they complement the story.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the themes of the book and occurrences in their own life or community.
Urge them to think critically about the significance of having dreams and sharing them with the world.
After reading, ask your child to think of a small speech or statement about their own dreams for the future.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: The book depicts Martin Luther King Jr.'s dedication as he revises his speech multiple times, showing his commitment to delivering the right message.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of revisiting and improving their work, whether it's homework or a personal project, to achieve the best outcome.
Example Lesson: The impact of collaboration
Explanation: King is shown collaborating with his peers, who provide feedback and support, highlighting the strength found in teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of working with others, seeking advice, and valuing different perspectives in school projects or group activities.
Example Lesson: Courage to speak out against injustice
Explanation: Martin Luther King Jr. uses his speech to address and confront racial inequality, showing bravery in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their voices responsibly to stand up against unfairness, whether in the classroom or within their community.
Example Lesson: Importance of having a vision
Explanation: The book illustrates King's clear vision for a better future, which fueled his influential speech and actions.
Real-World Application: Kids can be inspired to dream big and set goals for themselves, understanding that having a clear vision is the first step towards making a positive change.