Social Justice Books

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

Margarito’s Forest / El Bosque de don Margarito

Reviewed by Olvin Abrego Ayala Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Margarito’s Forest/El Bosque de Don Margarito is a nonfiction narrative that centers on the real-life legacy of Margarito Esteban Álvarez Velázquez, affectionately known as Don Margarito, a member of the K’iche’ community in the highlands of present-day Guatemala. A captivating intergenerational story, the book […]

Juneteenth in Picture Books

With Juneteenth a national holiday, we share our Reconstruction booklist to introduce young people to the emancipation era. When reading picture books on Juneteenth, we were disappointed to find that many reinforce Eurocentric narratives. The most common problem with the books is that they strip African Americans of any agency in their own liberation, crediting […]

The Rainbow Parade

Reviewed by Emma Ball, edited by Zapoura Newton-Calvert Review Source: Reading Is Resistance Book Author:  The sidewalk outside is filled with people waiting for the parade to start. Everyone is wearing whatever makes them feel most like themselves. The Rainbow Parade by Emily Neilson, a representation of the author’s own experiences going to gay pride […]

When Aidan Became a Brother

Reviewed by MaKenna Pierre, edited by Zapoura Newton-Calvert Review Source: Reading Is Resistance Book Author:  Aidan knew how to love someone, and that was the most important part of being a brother. When Aidan Became a Brother, by Kyle Lukoff, follows the story of Aidan, a young transgender boy, and his understanding of himself and […]

My Purple World Series: Not Recommended

At a time when children need to see their diverse identities more represented in children’s literature, celebrity picture books still absorb a significant chunk of the children’s book market.  While there are some authentically wonderful celebrity-authored books, the trend itself indoctrinates kids into the cult of celebrity name recognition and consumption.  These books fly off […]

When We Gather (Ostadahlisiha): A Cherokee Tribal Feast

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: In professional development workshops that I do where I ask people to bring books with Native content, I look over what they’ve brought. Lots of old — and not good — nonfiction (series books and biographies) and fiction. I also see dreadful […]