Chasing King's Killer: The Hunt for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Assassin

James L. Swanson

BookHigh SchoolPolice Officer

About

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 Nominee

Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year

Kirkus 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 review

In 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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Why it’s great

Part thriller, part meticulously sourced history, this narrative tracks investigators across eight states in a race against time. Archival photos, maps, and FBI memos pull readers into the manhunt while illuminating civil-rights history. Swanson’s pacing rivals any crime novel but stays firmly rooted in documented fact—excellent for AP U.S. History enrichment. Encourages discussion on justice, perseverance, and the impact of one investigation on a nation.

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Resource Details

Resource Type: Book
Age Ranges: High School
Careers: Police Officer
Subjects:

Book Details

Author: James L. Swanson