Chasing King's Killer

By James L. Swanson

A civil rights leader's life ends in tragedy, revealing the impact of one man's actions on history.

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,490 ratings

384 pages· 42,176 words· Est. 4 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s rise as a civil rights leader is marked by peaceful protests and powerful speeches. Yet, his life is cut short by James Earl Ray, a racist escapee. This gripping account delves into the dark events leading to King's assassination, exploring the profound impact of his loss on history. With vivid details and over 80 photographs, the narrative transports readers to a pivotal moment in American history, raising questions about the power of one individual to change the course of events. Discover the chilling story behind a nation's tragedy.

From the publisher

An astonishing account of the assassination of America’s most beloved and celebrated civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, by New York Times bestselling author, James L. Swanson with an introduction by John Lewis.NAACP Image Award NomineeChicago Public Library Best Book of the YearKirkus Reviews Best Young Adult Book of the Year* “[James L. Swanson’s] masterful work… reveals, in gripping style, how one individual can impact history.” –Booklist, starred reviewIn his meteoric, thirteen-year rise to fame, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a mass movement for Civil Rights – with his relentless peaceful, non-violent protests, public demonstrations, and eloquent speeches. But as violent threats cast a dark shadow over Dr. King’s life, Swanson hones in on James Earl Ray, a bizarre, racist, prison escapee who tragically ends King’s life.As he did in his bestselling Scholastic MG/YA books Chasing LIncoln’s Killer and “THE PRESIDENT HAS BEEN SHOT!”, Swanson transports readers back to one of the most shocking, sad, and terrifying events in American history.With an introduction by Congressman John Lewis, and over 80 photographs, captions, bibliography, various source notes, and index included.

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