Social Justice Books

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

Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister?

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Note: While I recommend this book for early readers because it offers an authentic representation of the Hindu ceremony, namakarna, along with other Indian traditions and customs that accompany the birth of a new baby, it’s also worthwhile to note this naming ceremony is […]

Nigel and the Moon

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Nigel and the Moon is whimsically illustrated and intended to encourage children to dream big and voice their aspirations out loud and proud. However, there is also a displacement of anxiety over economic class present in the narrative that can be harmful to children’s […]

Alicia and the Hurricane

Reviewed by Tayna M. Rivera Rodríguez Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Alicia and the Hurricane / Alicia y el huracán: A Story of Puerto Rico / Un cuento de Puerto Rico resembles the story of many little kids in Puerto Rico who experienced Hurricane Maria in 2017. Hurricane Maria is the deadliest natural disaster […]

Black Was the Ink

Reviewed by May Kotsen Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Set in 2015, Black Was the Ink follows the life of Malcolm Williams, a 16-year-old from Washington D.C., who just wants to spend his summer drawing, playing video games, and playing pickup with his friends. After violence Malcolm experiences in D.C. mirrors the police violence […]

Home is Not a Country

Reviewed by Lidwien Kapteijns Reviewed Source: Africa Access Book Author: This book, a novel in free verse and written for young adult readers, is a story that delights in countless ways. Written by the young Sudanese American writer and poet Safia Elhillo, it tells the story of a teenage, Muslim, first-generation immigrant girl, called Nima […]

Deb Haaland: First Native American Cabinet Secretary

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: In children’s literature, we talk about the importance of representation. Seeing someone who looks like you is powerfully affirming. In 2016, I experienced that affirmation. Deb Haaland was at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.  I shared my joy on Twitter:   And […]