Social Justice Books

Critically reviewed selection of multicultural and social justice books for children, young adults, and educators.

Chains

Reviewed by Kirkus Reviews Review Source: Kirkus Reviews Book Author: “‘Freedom and liberty’ has many meanings,” but enslaved Isabel knows that while Loyalists and Patriots battle for their own versions of freedom, she is “chained between two nations” that uphold slavery. She wonders, “If an entire nation could seek its freedom, why not a girl?” […]

Shadowshaper

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Last year I read Daniel Jose Older’s excellent essay in Buzzfeed Books. Titled “Diversity is Not Enough: Race, Power, Publishing,” it was shared widely in my social media networks. I started following him on Twitter, and learned that he had a young […]

The Princess of Fort Hill Shelter

Reviewed by Deborah Thomas Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Written by D.C. high school students, Karta Morris, Darne’sah Walker and Zorita Walker, The Princess of Fort Hill Shelter tells a beautiful story of a young girl navigating difficult changes in her family. The book opens with Princess McKenzie welcoming the reader into her […]

10,000 Dresses

Reviewed by Katelyn Campbell Review Source: Independent Book Author: OUT OF PRINT 10,000 Dresses shares the story of a trans girl, Bailey, who is trying to make her dreams a reality. Each night, Bailey dreams of a different mystical dress, which she in turn asks each of her family members if they can help her […]

Out of Breath: Kendra’s Big Secret

Reviewed by Deborah Thomas Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Out of Breath: Kendra’s Big Secret by teen authors and Washington, D.C., high school students, Destiney Mayhew, Aderemi Abosede, and Kairon Cunningham is a fun read with very serious elements about public health, trust, and communication. Kendra Kangaroo has a secret: she has asthma. […]

Ruth and the Green Book

Reviewed by Deborah Menkart Review Source: Rethinking Schools Book Author: A historical fiction picture book for 7- to 11-year-olds about the challenges of traveling for African American families during the Jim Crow era. As Ruth travels with her family from Chicago to Alabama to visit her grandmother, she learns that the Green Book provides a […]