Social Justice Books

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

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 […]

My Rainbow

Reviewed by Paige Pagan and Brad Manker Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  Simple language and vibrant illustrations highlight the warm dynamics of a close-knit and accepting Black family in this picture book about a transgender child living with autism. This book for younger elementary school students centers on Trinity, a transgender girl in a […]

Look, Grandma! Ni, Elisi!

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Look at the cover of Look, Grandma! Ni, Elisi! See the purple rectangle on the top right corner that says “Story Telling MATH” in it? This book is a story about math! And I am delighted to share it with AICL’s readers. […]

The Diné Reader: An Anthology of Navajo Literature

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: In 2021, two terrific anthologies were published. First was When the Light of the World Was Subdued, Our Songs Came Through: A Norton Anthology of Native Nations Poetry (edited by Joy Harjo). Harjo’s anthology has writers from many different nations. I recommend you get a copy […]

A-Train Allen

Reviewed by Vanessa Williams Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  Quick! Hurry! Lickety-split! Dash over and read Lesley Younge’s A-Train Allen, a darling story that reads more like a hero’s errand and less like a hero’s journey because we’re not beleaguered with unwelcome visitors like devastating setbacks or insurmountable obstacles. Simultaneously imaginative and grounded, A-Train […]