Social Justice Books

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

The Women Who Caught the Babies: A Story of African American Midwives

Reviewed by Deborah Menkart Reviewed Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Renowned children’s book author Eloise Greenfield opens her latest title with a note to readers, “I want to take you back only as far as the Africa of a few hundred years ago. That’s when millions of Africans were forced from their homelands, brought […]

Pies from Nowhere

Reviewed by the Zinn Education Project Review Source: Zinn Education Project Book Author: This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of Georgia Gilmore and the Club from Nowhere — a grassroots project to provide food and funds for the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Gilmore’s work is described in the Beacon Broadside, “Georgia Gilmore, Overlooked Activist […]

Different Differenter: An Activity Book About Skin Color

Reviewed by Dr. Ed Greene Book Author: In 1971, Vivian Church wrote the children’s book, Colors Around Me. It provided an eye-opening explanation of the meaning of the words Black, Negro, and Afro-American, while at the same time presenting positive descriptions and illustrations about the shades of color among African Americans and being part of […]

Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted a Million Trees

Reviewed by Jane Irungu, Ph.D. Review Source: Africa Access Book Author: Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees by Franck Prévot and Aurélia Fronty (illus.) joins the list of picture books about The Green Belt Movement and its founder, Nobel Peace Laureate Wangari Maathai. Previous titles about Maathai include Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story […]

Jack (Not Jackie)

Reviewed by Kirkus Reviews Review Source: Kirkus Reviews Book Author: Although this picture book provides a necessary message of acceptance and representation for transgender boys, the narrative remains rooted in a cisgender perspective. Susan dreams of playing forest fairies and explorers with a little sister. She loves to hear her baby sibling giggle. However, as […]

Furqan’s First Flat Top

Reviewed by Zetta Elliott Review Source: Zetta Elliott Book Author: I’m always impressed when writers take matters into their own hands and bring their stories to life by self-publishing. Robert Liu-Trujillo’s first book is a beautifully illustrated story of a boy’s bold decision to change his style; when doubt sets in, his father’s reassurances and […]