Social Justice Books

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

Ghosts

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: On Monday, September 19th, Raina Telgemeier will launch her new book, Ghosts, in Minneapolis. She’s a much acclaimed writer with several best selling books. Anytime I see a book that has something to do with ghosts, I wonder if the author is going […]

Gbagba

Reviewed by Jo M. Sullivan Review Source: Africa Access Book Author: This book is one in a series, The Liberia Signature Series, from the publisher, One Moore Book, which states as its goal that it “publishes culturally sensitive and educational stories for children of countries with low literacy rates and underrepresented cultures.” This picture book […]

First Snow

Reviewed by KT Horning Review Source: Reading While White Book Author: First published in South Korea in 2012, Bomi Park’s debut is a dreamlike picture book that celebrates the wonder of the natural world. When an unnamed small girl awakens to the first snowfall of the season, she puts on her boots, coat, scarf and […]

Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu

Reviewed by Akwasi Osei Review Source: Africa Access Book Author: This is the true story of Emmanuel Yeboah. Born in Ghana in 1977 with a deformed leg, he became the personification of courage, strength—mental and physical—and determination even as a child. His life and challenges are well-known in Ghana. This excellent picture book brings the narrative […]

Eighth Grade Superzero

Reviewed by Sam Bloom Review Source: Reading While White Book Author: Rhuday-Perkovich’s debut works on many levels. It’s a classic school story with engaging middle school characters (though Donovan’s bad guy act is a bit over-the-top). Reggie’s family is supportive and the problems they face ring true. But the volunteerism central to the story is something […]

District Comics: New Comic Anthology Full of Shortcomings, Thin on Diversity

Reviewed by Katie Seitz Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: On November 1, 1950, Oscar Collazo and Griselio Torresola, two Puerto Rican nationalists, attempted to assassinate President Truman. Their goal was to draw attention to the U.S. colonization of Puerto Rico and the repeated legal and military measures to deny Puerto Ricans self-determination. At […]