My Brother Martin is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 600 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
"My Brother Martin" by Christin King Farris is a heartwarming memoir that provides insight into the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The author, Martin's sister, shares cherished childhood memories of their time together, painting a vivid picture of their close bond. Farris recounts Martin's early years, his curiosity, and his love for learning. She also highlights the influence their parents had on shaping Martin's values and his commitment to social justice. The book touches on Martin's experiences with racism and discrimination, as well as the pivotal moment when he decided to dedicate his life to fighting for equality and civil rights. Through personal anecdotes and photographs, Farris presents a touching tribute to her brother's extraordinary life and the impact he made on the world.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Help students to analyze what the author’s purpose for writing the book might be.
- Encourage students to use their summarizing and retelling strategies.
- Have students identify the point of view and discuss the benefits of the narrator.
- Read the book to students without showing the pictures. Encourage them to close their eyes and visualize the story. Discuss their visualization as a class.
- Have students practice their questioning skills as you read the book.
- Teach a mini lesson on compound words.
- Explore examples of inclusion in the story.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30 writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome
- Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine
- Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson
- Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
- Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport
- Ron's Big Mission by Rose Blue
- Salt in His Shoes by Deloris Jordan
- The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones
- The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
- The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
