Social Justice Books

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

Ajijaak – Crane

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: In 2018, Ajijaak – Crane was published by Waub Ajijaak Press, in Manistee, Michigan. Written by Cecilia Rose LaPointe, illustrated by Dolly Peltier, and translated into Anishinaabe by Margaret Noodin, it is one I am pleased to recommend. The story opens with […]

Sing a Song: How “Lift Every Voice and Sing” Inspired Generations

Reviewed by Deborah Menkart Review Source: Rethinking Schools Book Author: We should all know the story and words of the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and now thanks to this picture book, we can. Author Kelly Starling Lyons tells the 120-year history of the song through generations of her family who have […]

The Women Who Caught the Babies: A Story of African American Midwives

Reviewed by Deborah Menkart Reviewed Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Renowned children’s book author Eloise Greenfield opens her latest title with a note to readers, “I want to take you back only as far as the Africa of a few hundred years ago. That’s when millions of Africans were forced from their homelands, brought […]

Pies from Nowhere

Reviewed by the Zinn Education Project Review Source: Zinn Education Project Book Author: This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of Georgia Gilmore and the Club from Nowhere — a grassroots project to provide food and funds for the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Gilmore’s work is described in the Beacon Broadside, “Georgia Gilmore, Overlooked Activist […]

Different Differenter: An Activity Book About Skin Color

Reviewed by Dr. Ed Greene Book Author: In 1971, Vivian Church wrote the children’s book, Colors Around Me. It provided an eye-opening explanation of the meaning of the words Black, Negro, and Afro-American, while at the same time presenting positive descriptions and illustrations about the shades of color among African Americans and being part of […]

Sense of an Ending: Picture Books as an Entry to Activism

By Colleen Massaquoi The third graders huddled around the photographs, their faces filled with concern. “Whoa, that’s a lot of bags,” Sam said, scooting closer to examine a picture of a goat surrounded by towering mounds of twisted, multicolored plastic bags. “Oh no!” Claire exclaimed. “It looks like that goat is going to eat the […]