Social Justice Books

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

Too Small Tola

Reviewed by Lauren Parnell Marino Review Source: Africa Access Book Author: Too Small Tola by Atinuke is a delightful book which introduces a slate of charming characters to young readers. The collection of three short stories focuses on the daily lives of Tola, a young girl growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, and her Grandmommy, sister, and brother. […]

The World Needs More Purple People

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: The World Needs More Purple People is designed to teach early elementary children that they should be inquisitive, humorous, kind, outspoken, diligent, and authentic, which are all essential qualities indeed and according to the protagonist, Penny, all needed to become a purple person. The […]

In My Anaana’s Amautik

Reviewed by Jean Mendoza Review Source: American Indian’s in Children’s Literature Book Author: A while back, Victoria J Coe tweeted that Teresa Peterson’s Grasshopper Girl is a “huggable book.” What a great descriptor — some books are just that! And we need those, in these strange times when hugging people we love can actually be dangerous. Another example […]

A Day with Yayah

Reviewed by Jean Mendoza Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: As a grandmother and longtime teacher of young children, I’m delighted to share my enthusiasm for A Day with Yayah, a 2018 Crocodile Books release by award-winning author Nicola I. Campbell (Interior Salish), illustrated by another award-winner, Julie Flett (Cree-Metis). A Day with Yayah is a visual […]

Johnny’s Pheasant

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Author: Johnny’s Pheasant is written by Cheryl Minnema (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and illustrated by Julie Flett (Cree-Métis). New in 2019, it is a picture book I am pleased to recommend. Grandma’s are special, aren’t they? Mine was, and I know my mom is special […]

The Grizzly Mother and The Sockeye Mother

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Teachers! Get The Grizzly Mother for your classroom — and ask your librarian to get in on the library shelves, too! Written by Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson) and illustrated by Natasha Donovan, it will be released on September 1, 2019, from […]