Social Justice Books

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

The Banana-Leaf Ball

Reviewed by Breeanna Elliott Review Source: Africa Access Book Author: Although the value of collaborative play to overcome conflict is highlighted throughout the book, The Banana-Leaf Ball may reinforce the stereotype of Africa as overwhelmed by unexplained warfare and riddled with refugee camps. The story begins when the protagonist, Deo Rukundo, suddenly has to flee his family home […]

Wild Eggs: A Tale of Arctic Egg Collecting

Reviewed by Jean Mendoza Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Wild Eggs: A Tale of Arctic Egg Collecting opens with a little girl stepping off a bush plane, holding a stuffed polar bear. Akuluk and her mother have come from Yellowknife to a remote part of Nunavut. She is about to meet her maternal grandparents […]

Solo

Reviewed by Anastasia Shown Review Source: Africa Access Book Author: I enjoyed Solo. The emotions expressed by Blade are true to the teen experience. Rock legends, including Nigerian Fela Kuti, are woven throughout the story and help to push the narrative along. My favorite character is Joy. She is the person who teaches us the most about Ghana. […]

Moonshot: The Indigenous Comics Collection – Volume 2

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Edited by Hope Nicholson, Moonshot: The Indigenous Comics Collection, Volume 2 has stories from several people who you may know from previous AICL reviews of their work. In particular, I’m thinking of Richard Van Camp. Some of you may recall that he is Tlicho Dene from […]

A Morning with Grandpa

Reviewed by CCBC Review Source: Cooperative Children’s Book Center Book Author: Mei Mei watches Gong Gong doing tai chi and wants to learn how it’s done. The little girl’s attempts to emulate her grandpa are enthusiastic, but it’s hard for her to control her abundant energy as she turns every move into a chance to […]

Rebel Seoul

Reviewed by Audrey Review Source: Rich in Color Book Author: I knew I needed Rebel Seoul in my life the moment I heard it compared to mix of Pacific Rim and Korean dramas, and I was not disappointed. There were giant robots, fight scenes, complicated (and angsty) family relationships and (ex-)friendships, questionable loyalties, rebellions, and a lovely […]