Social Justice Books

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

The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story

Reviewed by Karen Leggett Abouraya Book Source: African Access Book Author: Egyptian-born author Aya Khalil has focused her picture book on immigrant children who may love the traditions of their family and homeland, but seek desperately to fit into their American world.  On her first day in third grade in a new school, Kanzi hears […]

That Flag

Reviewed by Brad Manker Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Author Tameka Fryer Brown and illustrator Nikkolas Smith have written the first book of its kind for young readers about the meaning of the battle flag of the Confederacy — and indirectly — about the “Lost Cause” narrative and its impact today. Keira, who is […]

Watch Me: A Story of Immigration and Inspiration

Reviewed by Deborah Jung Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: While Watch Me tells an inspiring story for young children, it also perpetuates some common tropes about immigrant success stories that downplay the impact of systemic barriers. Joe is a driven young immigrant to the United States from Sierra Leone who becomes a successful […]

The Night Before Eid: A Muslim Family Story

Reviewed by Heba F. El-Shazli Reviewed Source: Africa Access Book Author: The holy month of Ramadan is a special time of the year for every Muslim family around the world. The end of Ramadan is joyfully celebrated with a holiday named Eid El Fitr, which celebrates the end of a month of fasting from sunrise […]

Fly High, Lolo

Reviewed by Patricia Kuntz Reviewed Source: Africa Access Book Author: Niki Daly is a well known children’s picture book author/illustrator.  The Children’s Africana Book Award committee has recognized his excellence in several picture books:  Jamela’s Dress (1999), What’s Cooking Jamela (2001) and Once Upon a Time (2003). Fly High, Lolo is Daly’s fourth book about Lolo, a young girl in […]

The Story of Juneteenth

Reviewed by Brad Manker Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  The Story of Juneteenth presents an over-simplified explanation of the historic anniversary. While the author’s intent is admirable, this board book follows the dominant, accepted narrative about emancipation and ignores the sacrifices and courage of Black Americans, largely depicting them as passive actors. This problematic […]