Social Justice Books

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

The Diné Reader: An Anthology of Navajo Literature

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: In 2021, two terrific anthologies were published. First was When the Light of the World Was Subdued, Our Songs Came Through: A Norton Anthology of Native Nations Poetry (edited by Joy Harjo). Harjo’s anthology has writers from many different nations. I recommend you get a copy […]

A-Train Allen

Reviewed by Vanessa Williams Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  Quick! Hurry! Lickety-split! Dash over and read Lesley Younge’s A-Train Allen, a darling story that reads more like a hero’s errand and less like a hero’s journey because we’re not beleaguered with unwelcome visitors like devastating setbacks or insurmountable obstacles. Simultaneously imaginative and grounded, A-Train […]

Banned Books Display at SXSW

The Zinn Education Project and the African American Policy Forum collaborated on an installation on banned books at the SXSW international festival in Austin from March 10–13, 2023. It was an effective way to raise awareness about the threats to education and issue a call to action with thousands of visitors to this popular, annual […]

Create a Banned Books Pop-Up Display

The Zinn Education Project (coordinated by Rethinking Schools and Teaching for Change) collaborated on an installation and panel on banned books at SXSW in Austin. It was so popular that the Zinn Education Project is now offering a guide for anyone to create a Teach Banned Books pop-up display of their own that can be […]

Kapaemahu

Reviewed by Brad Manker Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  Kapaemahu is a centuries-old traditional Hawaiian story (mo’olelo) based on “The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu,” first published in 1907. The legend tells of four extraordinary Tahitians who traveled to the island of Oahu and taught local people the art of healing. The tall, gentle visitors […]