Social Justice Books

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

César: ¡Sí, Se Puede! Yes, We Can!

Reviewed by Beverly Slapin Review Source: De Colores Book Author: In a powerful collection of lyrical, free verse poems rich in farmworker idiom, Bernier-Grand has reconstructed the life and work of the founder and organizer of the United Farm Workers. What makes these poems remarkable is that they not only chronicle the life of a […]

Stef Soto, Taco Queen

Reviewed by Caissa Casarez Review Source: Latinx in Kid Lit Book Author: Jennifer Torres doesn’t waste any time introducing the readers to Stef and the people in her life, including Papi and her best friend Arthur in the first scene outside of their Catholic middle school. She notices Papi in his taco truck – known as […]

Six of Crows

Reviewed by Natasha Razi Review Source: Disability in Kid Lit Book Author: At its heart, Six of Crows is a classic heist story: a group of interesting, messed-up people facing a seemingly impossible crime — in this case, breaking a prisoner out of a high-security prison. Within this framework, Bardugo weaves together five points of view, […]

Kamik Joins the Pack

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Kamik Joins the Pack was in my mail today. Adapted from the memories of Darryl Baker, who is Inuit, the story is the third in Inhabit Media’s series featuring Jake and his pup, Kamik. I first met Kamik in 2013, in Kamik: An Inuit Puppy Story. Jake had […]

The Stars Beneath Our Feet

Reviewed by Megan Schliesman Review Source: Reading While White Book Author: Offering hope, acknowledging hardship. Debut author David Barclay Moore writes with open eyes about the challenges of Lolly’s life as a Black boy in a poor neighborhood on the cusp of young adulthood, and with eyes just as wide he shows the many things Lolly […]

Silver People: Voices from the Panama Canal

Reviewed by: Deborah Menkart Reviewed Source: Zinn Education Project Book Author: Using her trademark style—multiple voices in free verse to share untold historical events —Margarita Engle introduces young readers to the builders of the Panama Canal. The protagonist is Mateo, a young boy from the Caribbean, lured with promises of good pay and work. Instead, […]