Social Justice Books

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

Mary and the Trail of Tears: A Cherokee Removal Survival Story

Reviewed by Catherine Baty Review Source: Acornmush Book Author: When I first got Mary and the Trail of Tears I checked the About the Author on the last page. Often in children’s literature Native stories are told by non-Natives which can lead to inaccuracies in the portrayal of characters. I was delighted to learn that the author, Andrea […]

Apple (Skin to the Core)

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Monday, October 12 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. There will be many virtual events taking place. Top of my list is the one from Arizona State University. Eric Gansworth will open their day of events. When you click on through to register for his lecture […]

The Gravedigger’s Archaeology

Review Source: Independent Book Author: I have taught several poems by Salvadoran American poet William Archila. At the end of my American Literature class, we have discussed several of Archila’s poems. His poems are accessible but crafted and beautiful. He surprises his reader with language that invites the reader to a deeper understanding and empathy. […]

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Reviewed by Donald Yacovone, PhD Review Source: ReVista – Harvard Review of Latin America Book Author: Roald Dahl, the Caribbean, and a Warning from His Chocolate Factory People in the United States love chocolate, but history — not so much. For generations, we manufactured blatantly racist textbooks that taught young readers about the inferiority of […]