Social Justice Books

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

Everything You Wanted to Know about Indians But Were Afraid to Ask (Young Readers Edition)

Reviewed by: Jean Mendoza Review source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Anton Treuer’s original Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask was published in 2012. Many people, myself included, hoped there would soon be a version for young people. And at last, there is, and it’s getting good critical attention, including […]

The Case of the Burgled Bundle

Reviewed by Jean Mendoza Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Oh, the joys of a good mystery! This year saw publication of the third book in the middle-grade Mighty Muskrats series by Michael Hutchinson (Cree). This is a “Short and Sweet” review. The publisher, Second Story Press, says this about The Case of the Burgled Bundle: […]

On the Trapline

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: When most kids visit or travel with a grandparent to a special place, they drive or fly on a commercial airplane. For this trip, this grandfather and grandson start out on a small propeller airplane. On the Trapline is based on Robertson’s visit—with his father—to […]

Where Three Oceans Meet

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  This picture book for elementary readers tells the story of three generations of women taking a trip through South India to Kanyakumari known as “Land’s End” where three oceans meet. Sejal, Mommy, and Pati all have different motivations for traveling, but they all share comfort […]

Same, Same But Different

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  This picture book intends to teach early elementary children that despite living in different countries and coming from different cultures and lifestyles, friendships may still be forged based on similarities. Elliot and Kailash are pen pals who take each other on a journey into their […]

Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Sorell’s Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer is receiving starred reviews from the major children’s literature review journals. And, I’ll add, with good reason! Sorell is Cherokee. The book, focusing on a Cherokee aerospace engineer, is tribally specific. And people interested […]