Social Justice Books

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

Eleven Words for Love: A Journey Through Arabic Expressions of Love

Reviewed by Makai Kellogg and Magy Youssef Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Eleven Words for Love: A Journey through Arabic Expressions of Love, by Palestinian-Egyptian author Randa Abdel-Fattah, is summarized on the back cover: A lyrical narrative of a Palestine family in exile explores universal bonds of family, loyalty, and friendship through the […]

Mani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice

Reviewed by Amanda MacGregor Review Source: School Library Journal Book Author: Uncovered family secrets and a growing feminist consciousness propel a seventh grader to cause good trouble and start a school-wide revolution. Twelve-year-old Manuela “Mani” Semilla, whose parents are Chinese-Filipino American and Guatemalan, feels stuck in the liminal space between childhood and adulthood. Mani is desperate […]

Margarito’s Forest / El Bosque de don Margarito

Reviewed by Olvin Abrego Ayala Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Margarito’s Forest/El Bosque de Don Margarito is a nonfiction narrative that centers on the real-life legacy of Margarito Esteban Álvarez Velázquez, affectionately known as Don Margarito, a member of the K’iche’ community in the highlands of present-day Guatemala. A captivating intergenerational story, the book […]

The Rainbow Parade

Reviewed by Emma Ball, edited by Zapoura Newton-Calvert Review Source: Reading Is Resistance Book Author:  The sidewalk outside is filled with people waiting for the parade to start. Everyone is wearing whatever makes them feel most like themselves. The Rainbow Parade by Emily Neilson, a representation of the author’s own experiences going to gay pride […]

When Aidan Became a Brother

Reviewed by MaKenna Pierre, edited by Zapoura Newton-Calvert Review Source: Reading Is Resistance Book Author:  Aidan knew how to love someone, and that was the most important part of being a brother. When Aidan Became a Brother, by Kyle Lukoff, follows the story of Aidan, a young transgender boy, and his understanding of himself and […]

When We Gather (Ostadahlisiha): A Cherokee Tribal Feast

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: In professional development workshops that I do where I ask people to bring books with Native content, I look over what they’ve brought. Lots of old — and not good — nonfiction (series books and biographies) and fiction. I also see dreadful […]