Social Justice Books

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

My Many Colored Days

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  My Many Colored Days intends to teach early elementary children that it is normal to experience different emotions on different days and even on the same day, which sometimes makes it hard to understand and express yourself. Dr. Seuss attempts to give children a […]

Healer of the Water Monster

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: I am delighted to recommend Brian Young’s Healer of the Water Monster. Below I will share some of the reasons why I think you should have this book on your school library shelf, and in your classroom library, and in your home library. If there’s […]

Too Small Tola

Reviewed by Lauren Parnell Marino Review Source: Africa Access Book Author: Too Small Tola by Atinuke is a delightful book which introduces a slate of charming characters to young readers. The collection of three short stories focuses on the daily lives of Tola, a young girl growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, and her Grandmommy, sister, and brother. […]

The World Needs More Purple People

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: The World Needs More Purple People is designed to teach early elementary children that they should be inquisitive, humorous, kind, outspoken, diligent, and authentic, which are all essential qualities indeed and according to the protagonist, Penny, all needed to become a purple person. The […]

In My Anaana’s Amautik

Reviewed by Jean Mendoza Review Source: American Indian’s in Children’s Literature Book Author: A while back, Victoria J Coe tweeted that Teresa Peterson’s Grasshopper Girl is a “huggable book.” What a great descriptor — some books are just that! And we need those, in these strange times when hugging people we love can actually be dangerous. Another example […]

A Day with Yayah

Reviewed by Jean Mendoza Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: As a grandmother and longtime teacher of young children, I’m delighted to share my enthusiasm for A Day with Yayah, a 2018 Crocodile Books release by award-winning author Nicola I. Campbell (Interior Salish), illustrated by another award-winner, Julie Flett (Cree-Metis). A Day with Yayah is a visual […]