CHASING KING’S KILLER by James L. Swanson.  New York:  Scholastic Press, (2018) 364p. ISBN 978-054572666-6 hc. $19.99   323.092 SW

Swanson divides the book into four sections of story.  Part One introduces Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., his philosophy of non-violent protest, the segregated southern states, and the early days of the Civil Rights Movement.  Things really speed up after 1963 with the bombing of a Birmingham, Alabama Church, the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Malcolm X, and opposition to the Vietnam War. Part Two chronicles the life of felon and future assassin, James Earl Ray.  Part Three provides the detailed planning of King’s assassination on April 4, 1968, and Part Four delves into the manhunt for Ray.  The last 100 pages consist of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s lasting legacy of peace, along with information for further study.  This very readable book is peppered with authentic black and white photographs from the time period. 
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI