A Time to Break Silence The Essential Works of Martin Luther King, Jr., for Students

The first collection of King’s essential writings for high school students and young people
 
A Time to Break Silence presents Martin Luther King, Jr.'s most important writings and speeches—carefully selected by teachers across a variety of disciplines—in an accessible and user-friendly volume. Now, for the first time, teachers and students will be able to access Dr. King's writings not only electronically but in stand-alone book form.
 
Arranged thematically in five parts, the collection includes nineteen selections and is introduced by award-winning author Walter Dean Myers. Included are some of Dr. King’s most well-known and frequently taught classic works, including “Letter from Birmingham Jail” and “I Have a Dream,” as well as lesser-known pieces such as “The Sword that Heals” and “What Is Your Life’s Blueprint?” that speak to issues young people face today.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929–1968), Nobel Peace Prize laureate and architect of the nonviolent civil rights movement, was among the twentieth century’s most influential figures. One of the greatest orators in U.S. history, King was the author of several books, including Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story, The Trumpet of Conscience, Why We Can’t Wait, and Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? His speeches, sermons, and writings are inspirational and timeless. King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968.
 
Walter Dean Myers is the critically acclaimed best-selling author of more than eighty books for children and young adults. In 2012, Myers was named National Ambassador for Young People's Literature.

Introduction: Martin Luther King, Jr. by Walter Dean Myers ix

Love and Faith
A Gift of Love*
An Experiment in Love
Loving Your Enemies
A Knock at Midnight

Nonviolent Resistance
The Sword That Heals
My Trip to the Land of Gandhi

Consequences of War
Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence
The Casualties of the War in Vietnam

Young People Working for Justice
The Time for Freedom Has Come
The Burning Truth in the South
Black and White Together

The Power of Freedom
Speech at the Great March on Detroit
Letter from Birmingham Jail
I Have a Dream

Suffering, Hope, and the Future
Eulogy for the Martyred Children
Suffering and Faith
The Drum Major Instinct
What Is Your Life’s Blueprint?

Acknowledgments
Glossary
Index

* Reflection questions are included after each selection.