Early Edge Resources

Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

January 19, 2026

Resources for Early Learning Teachers, Caregivers, and Families

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” ― Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday in January every year. This year it will be observed on January 19, 2026. As the leader of the civil rights movement in the United States, it’s a day that honors the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. In observance, Early Edge California has put together a list of various educational resources for young children about the importance of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his life’s teachings. We have also included resources for young children on race, racism, and being anti-racist.

For Teachers & Caregivers

• Learning and Living the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. (National Education Association)
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day for Preschoolers (Kids’ Care Club)
• Teaching Preschoolers About MLK (Mama Knows It All)
• “What About People Like Me?” Teaching Preschoolers About Segregation and “Peace Heroes” (NAEYC)

For Families

• 10 Awesome Picture Books About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Pre-K Pages)
• Children’s Picture Books Celebrating the Inspiration of Martin Luther King Jr. (Los Angeles Public Library)
• Happy Birthday, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! (Black Children’s Books and Authors)
• Hero for All: Martin Luther King, Jr. (National Geographic Kids)
• Honoring the Real Meaning of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (PBS KIDS for Parents)
• Keeping the Dream Alive: 30+ Children’s Books to Read for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Or Anytime of the Year) (Here Wee Read)
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Booklist (Quality Start Los Angeles)
• Talking to Young Children About Race and Racism (PBS KIDS for Parents)
• Want to Teach Your Kids About MLK Day? Start With These Powerful Lessons (Parents)

Learn more about the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Major King Events Chronology: 1929-1968 and Recommended Readings (Stanford University’s The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute)