Social Justice Books

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

Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Sorell’s Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer is receiving starred reviews from the major children’s literature review journals. And, I’ll add, with good reason! Sorell is Cherokee. The book, focusing on a Cherokee aerospace engineer, is tribally specific. And people interested […]

The Case of Windy Lake

Reviewed by Jean Mendoza Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Hutchinson’s Mighty Muskrats are four cousins — Atim, Chickadee, Otter, and Sam — who live on the Windy Lake First Nation (pretty sure this is a fictional location) in what’s currently called Canada. These tweens are smart, curious, and resourceful. They operate out […]

The Fire

Reviewed by Jean Mendoza Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: I’m very happy to add a title to our 2021 Recommended Books list: Thomas Peacock’s The Fire. This is my “short and sweet” review. As you may remember, “short and sweet” reviews are not in-depth; they cover four reasons for our decision about […]

Swashby and the Sea

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: This joyful picture book for early elementary children emphasizes the transformative influence of friendship. Old Swashby is a recluse who retires to a small house on the beach to be closer to his only long-time friend, the playful sea. Life is solitary and serene […]

Birdsong

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Reviewed Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Add Julie Flett’s Birdsong to your shelves! It is on several Best Books of 2019 lists and it got starred reviews from the major review journals. Most of the reviews note Flett’s artistic style and the seasonal arrangement of the story. Most note the growth […]