Martin Luther King, Jr. by USHistory.org | CommonLit

by USHistory.org 2016

We've identified these texts as great options for text pairings based on similar themes, literary devices, topic, or writing style. Supplement your lesson with one or more of these options and challenge students to compare and contrast the texts. To assign a paired text, click on the text to go to its page and click the "Assign Text" button there.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965

Jessica McBirney

The impetus for and impact of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 are discussed in this informational text.

Pair “The Voting Rights Act of 1965” with “Martin Luther King, Jr.” in order to have students more deeply explore King’s role in the passing of that legislation and the impact that the law has had on the United States.

8th Grade Informational Text 1200L

The Sit-In Movement

USHistory.org

This informational text discusses the different forms of peaceful protests that civil rights activists employed during their struggle for equality.

Pair “The Sit-In Movement” with “Martin Luther King, Jr.” to provide students with additional information regarding the nonviolent protests that King encouraged. How do the various forms of nonviolent protests depicted in the two texts compare? Do you think some forms of nonviolent protest are more effective than others?

8th Grade Informational Text 1020L

RFK's Speech Following the Death of MLK

Senator Robert F. Kennedy

"RFK's Speech Following the Death of MLK" is a speech that encourages the nation to unite and heal following Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination using strong rhetorical techniques.

Pair “RFK’s Speech Following the Death of MLK” with “Martin Luther King, Jr.” to provide students with additional information regarding King’s death. How did the nation respond to this tragedy? Which values that King preached remained strong after his death?

8th Grade Speech 1180L

I Have a Dream

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In Martin Luther King, Jr.'s iconic speech "I Have a Dream," he discusses the state of racism throughout the nation and his hopes for freedom and equality in America.

Pair “Martin Luther King, Jr.” with “I Have a Dream” and ask students to further discuss the life and contributions of King. How did King contribute to the Civil Rights Movement prior to his “I Have a Dream” speech? How did his accomplishments continue to live on following his death?

9th Grade Speech 1130L

The Civil Rights Act of 1964

National Park Service

This informational text discusses the events that led up to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Pair “Martin Luther King, Jr.” with “The Civil Rights Act of 1964” and ask students to discuss how King contributed to the passing of this influential law. In what other ways did King contribute to the Civil Rights Movement?

10th Grade Informational Text 1410L

Truth

Nikki Grimes

In Nikki Grimes' poem "Truth," a speaker compares the possibilities of a new day to a storm.

Pair “Martin Luther King, Jr.” with “Truth” and ask students to discuss how the two texts contribute to their understanding of how hopeful leaders encourage action. How does the message of Nikki Grimes’s poem compare to Martin Luther King’s message during the Civil Rights movement? How do both texts convey similar attitudes present during the Civil Rights movement?

7th Grade Poem

Malcolm X

Barrett Smith

In the informational text "Malcolm X," Barrett Smith discusses the life and contributions of the civil rights activist.

Pair “Martin Luther King, Jr.” with “Malcolm X” to provide students with additional information about a fellow civil rights leader. Ask students to discuss how the goals and processes of these two activists compare. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X have in common? Why do you think some people felt compelled to follow Malcolm over MLK?

8th Grade Biography 1120L

Monkeyman

Walter Dean Myers

In "Monkeyman," a teenager watches his friend stand up to a neighborhood gang and learns a powerful lesson about courage.

Pair “Martin Luther King, Jr.” with “Monkeyman” and ask students to discuss the idea of nonviolent resistance. Why do you think nonviolent resistance is so effective? How does Monkeyman carry on the legacy of Dr. King?

8th Grade Short Story 670L

We Are Wise

Zetta Elliott

In "We Are Wise," a speaker explains what their community does to fight hate.

Pair “Martin Luther King, Jr.” with “We Are Wise” and ask students to compare Martin Luther King, Jr. with the speaker of the poem. What are they fighting? How do they fight? What are they risking? Who are they provoking? Does the speaker of the poem embody what Martin Luther King, Jr. taught? Why or why not?

8th Grade Poem

"We Shall Overcome" Speech

President Lyndon B. Johnson

This rousing speech by President Lyndon B. Johnson was delivered right after civil rights protesters were brutally beaten on "Bloody Sunday." This speech is considered one of the best presidential speeches in history, and eventually led to The Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Pair “'We Shall Overcome' Speech” with “Martin Luther King, Jr.” to provide students with additional information regarding the struggle in Selma, Alabama known as “Bloody Sunday.” How do the details provided in “We shall Overcome Speech” influence students’ opinions on the Civil Rights Movement and those who fought for equal rights?

10th Grade Speech 1070L

Paired Texts > Martin Luther King, Jr.