The Preacher King: Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Word that Moved America

In "The Preacher King: Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Word that Moved America," readers are offered a profound exploration of how a single voice from the pulpit of a small Baptist church in Montgomery, Alabama, could instigate monumental changes in America’s social and legal landscapes. Published on February 6, 1997, this compelling narrative delves into the religious and moral journey of Martin Luther King Jr., a figure who not only championed racial justice but also fervently advocated for religious freedom. Through the meticulous examination of King's unpublished sermons, speeches, and even surveillance reports, author Richard Lischer paints an intimate and vivid portrait of King’s evolution from a rebellious preacher’s kid to the iconic leader of the Civil Rights Movement. This book is particularly insightful for middle-school readers, enabling them to grasp the profound impact of King’s rhetoric and ideals on American society. It challenges young minds to reflect on how moral and ethical leadership can indeed alter the course of history.