Parents' Guide to Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King

Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King book cover: Collage-style portrait of Mrs. King’s profile, historical images, and a magnolia

Common Sense Media Review

Diondra Brown By Diondra Brown , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 5+

Powerful and inspirational story, told in Mrs. King's words.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 5+?

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Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

CORETTA: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MRS. CORETTA SCOTT KING first transports readers to the segregated South in the 1920s. When Mrs. King was born, Black people in the United States were legally barred from doing many things that White people were allowed to do. However, she refused to let these barriers stop her from pursuing her dreams. She graduated from college, became a teacher, and actively protested the racism that tried to slow her path. Her passion for advocating for inclusion and respect grew even stronger when she met her future husband, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Together, they worked to advance the Civil Rights Movement while also building a loving home with their four children. After her husband's tragic murder, Mrs. King continued fighting for justice and equity on a global scale. She helped train hundreds of thousands of activists and supported important international causes. One of her greatest achievements came in 1983 when, after 15 years of tireless effort, she succeeded in making her husband's birthday a national holiday. Throughout her life, Mrs. King never stopped spreading messages of love.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
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This picture book is a beautiful, inspirational look inside the life of a civil rights icon. Educational and engaging, Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King is special because it is told in Mrs. King's own words. Her passion for spreading love and advocating for human rights shines throughout the story. Ekua Holmes' unique collages blend real images with illustrations that offer a powerful visual backdrop to the rich details of Mrs. Coretta Scott King's remarkable life. A must for every library.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how in Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Mrs. King shows great strength and perseverance. Why are these character strengths important to her story and achievements?

  • What is something new you neared about Mrs. Coretta Scott King after reading the book?

  • Love was the most important message Mrs. King wanted to spread throughout the world. What's an important message you'd like to spread throughout the world?

  • The book includes a Civil Rights Timeline. Choose one of the events on the timeline and learn more about what happened.

Book Details

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Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King book cover: Collage-style portrait of Mrs. King’s profile, historical images, and a magnolia

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