Social Justice Books

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

Music of What Happens

Reviewed by Conner Suddick Review Source: Independent Book Author: Life is comprised of moments that seem asynchronous, but they result in a rich symphony. The Music of What Happens by Bill Konigsberg details the burgeoning relationship between high schoolers Max and Jordan and how they overcome their inner demons. At first, they seem completely incompatible, with […]

Por ahí viene el huracán: Una aventura de Isa y Mau

Reviewed by Lila Quintero Weaver Review Source: Latinx in Kid Lit Book Author: POR AHÍ VIENE EL HURACÁN: Una aventura de Isa y Mau es escrito por Laura Rexach Olivencia e ilustrado por Mya Pagán. (Editorial Destellos, 2018) El impacto del Huracán María el pasado septiembre de 2017, marcó fuertemente la vida y experiencias de diversas comunidades en Puerto Rico […]

Indian No More

Reviewed by Ashleigh, age 13 Review Source: Indigo’s Bookshelf: Voices of Native Youth Book Author: Indian No More, by Charlene Willing McManis with Traci Sorell, is one of the best books I’ve ever read. Thank you to Tu Books and Stacy L. Whitman for sending @ofglades the uncorrected proof to review. At first, I was sorry […]

The Old Man

Reviewed by Kirkus Reviews Review Source: Kirkus Reviews Book Author: Everyone is waking up to start the day. The children get ready for school. The old man must wake up, too. He’s sleeping rough on the streets and must leave before he’s shooed away. Sparse text and quickly stroked illustrations allow readers to drift through […]

¡Our Celebración!

Reviewed by Kirkus Review Review Source: Kirkus Review Book Author: Rhyming couplets in English and Spanish offer a language lesson to readers who join multicultural friends at a vibrant neighborhood celebration with music, fireworks, and a fabulous parade. The day begins with sunshine as the text invites readers to follow a happy, interracial group that […]

My Papi Has a Motorcycle

Reviewed by The Horn Book Review Source: The Horn Book Book Author: Quintero’s picture-book text acts as an evocative love letter to her apá and to the interconnected web of Mexican immigrant working-class people who built her hometown of Corona, California. When Papi gets home from work, young Daisy jumps into his arms for a […]