Social Justice Books

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

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Reviewed by David Eaton Review Source: Africa Access Book Author: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind tells the story of William Kamkwamba, a young man in central Malawi who improvises a windmill out of bicycle and other scrap yard parts to produce electricity for his family’s home. Its 28 pages of text, with a few […]

Africa is Not a Country

Reviewed by Patricia Kuntz Review Source: Africa Access Book Author: Africa is Not a Country is perhaps the first picture book about the African continent to respectfully present the diversity of people living in its 53 countries. Heretofore, few publishers have collaborated with an African studies center to produce an accurate, objective presentation. Finally, these authors have […]

Our Chemical Hearts

Reviewed by Alaina Leary Review Source: Disabilities in Kid Lit Book Author: Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland bills itself as “kind of” a love story, and also “not your average story of boy meets girl.” The novel starts off with Henry Page telling readers about how he expected to first fall in love, and then […]

13 Colors of the Honduran Resistance

Reviewed by Elena Young Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: 13 Colors of the Honduran Resistance tells the story of Honduran feminists fighting for their rights against an oppressive government. The book focuses on the aftermath of the 2009 coup against President Manuel Zelaya who was labeled a communist for actions such as defending […]

Milo’s Museum

Teaching Ideas | Teaching Stories Reviewed by Deborah Menkart Review Source: Rethinking Schools Book Author: Milo’s Museum by Zetta Elliott is a beautifully illustrated, empowering story of a young girl (Milo) who is excited to go on a school field trip to a museum. Her grandfather explains, “Museums hold all the things that people feel are […]

My Heart Fills with Happiness

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: I’ve read My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith, illustrated by Julie Flett, many times. I can’t decide—and don’t need to, really—which page is my favorite! For now—for this moment—I just got off the phone with my daughter, Liz. She’s […]