Social Justice Books

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

Mamas Just Like You!

Reviewed by Makai Kellogg Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: This beautiful book is an anthem for mamas and their children. Part of the Shout Mouse Mini Mirrors series for toddlers, it is appropriate for children from infancy to full fledged readers. This playful and joyful book provides readers with a repetitive pattern that […]

Sebastian’s Apartment Family

Reviewed by Makai Kellogg Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Sebastian’s Apartment Family was written by three mothers in a Shout Mouse Press workshop. They open the book with a dedication: “We wrote this book for the villages that help to raise our children.”  This colorful and engaging book centers collective caregiving. As a […]

My Shadow Is Purple

Reviewed by Ifeoma Ndujife Review Source: Independent Book Author: My Dad has a shadow that’s blue as a berry, and my mom’s is as pink as a blossoming cherry. There’s only those choices, a 2 or a 1. But mine is quite different, it’s both and it’s none. My Shadow is Purple by Scott Stuart […]

The Story of Hurry

Reviewed by Alison Kysia Book Author: The Story of Hurry, written by Emma Williams and illustrated by Ibrahim Quraishi, is a useful tool for introducing the colonization of Palestine to young children. The captivating mixed media illustrations frame a story of the imaginative use of animals by one compassionate zoo keeper who will do anything […]

Rock Your Mocs

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Several years ago on Native social media, I saw people talking about plans to wear their moccasins for “Rock Your Mocs” day. On that day, we took photos of our mocs and shared them joyously in a way that radiated an Indigenous […]

Watch Me: A Story of Immigration and Inspiration

Reviewed by Deborah Jung Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: While Watch Me tells an inspiring story for young children, it also perpetuates some common tropes about immigrant success stories that downplay the impact of systemic barriers. Joe is a driven young immigrant to the United States from Sierra Leone who becomes a successful […]