Social Justice Books

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

Gabi, Fragmentos de Una Adolescente

Reviewed by Sonia Alejandra Rodriguez Reviewed Source: Latinx in Kid Lit Book Author: DESCRIPTION OF THE NOVEL: July 24 My mother named me Gabriella, after my grandmother who, coincidentally, didn’t want to meet me when I was born because my mother was unmarried, and therefore living in sin. My mom has told me the story […]

Nana Akua Goes to School

Reviewed by Anastasia Shown Reviewed Source: Africa Access Book Author: Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker & April Harrison is a splendid book! It begins with Zura being anxious about the upcoming “Grandparents Day” at her school because her Grandmother has unique face markings that she received as a child growing up […]

Lovable Lyle

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  Lovable Lyle is the fourth picture book in a series about Lyle the Crocodile who lives with the Primm family. In this book, Lyle is confronted with an enemy, the new girl in town, Clover Sue Hipple, who keeps leaving him threatening letters much […]

Amira’s Picture Day

Reviewed by Ariana Hussain Review Source: Hijabi Librarians Book Author: Amira feels conflicted when she realizes that school picture day is the same day as Eid. Spotting the crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan, Amira and her brother Ziyad know it means that there will be prayers, celebrations, and skipping school the following day. Amira’s […]

Salma the Syrian Chef

Reviewed by Hadeal Salamah Review Source: Hijabi Librarians Book Author: Salma and her mother are Syrian Muslim refugees living at the Welcome Center for new immigrants in Vancouver, Canada. They both miss home and hope that one day soon Salma’s papa will be able to join them. Mama’s long days are filled with English classes and […]

Miles Morales: Shock Waves

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  Miles Morales: Shockwaves is the latest graphic novel in a series about a contemporary Brooklyn student who has superhero adventures as Spiderman. In Shockwaves, Miles helps raise money for relief efforts in Puerto Rico after a series of earthquakes strike and works to uncover how […]