Social Justice Books

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

Nibi Is Water

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Last month I (Debbie) was in Toronto at the 2020 Ontario Library Association’s Super Conference. There, I spoke (and ate, and laughed–a lot!) with Native women. At one of these moments, they were asking me if I’d seen Joanne Robertson’s new board […]

The Big Bed

Reviewed by Deborah W. Thomas Tellin’ Stories Roving Readers Coordinator Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: A young girl negotiates with her dad about who should sleep in the big bed with mommy. Not wanting to hurt her dad’s feelings, a little girl calls a meeting to discuss a problem they have, The Big […]

Hair Love

Reviewed by Breanna McDaniel Review Source: Shelf Awareness Book Author: Matthew A. Cherry wears many hats as a film director, producer and editor. With his debut picture book, Hair Love, he can now add children’s book author to that list. A colorful collaboration with illustrator Vashti Harrison (Little Leaders), Hair Love was inspired by an animated short of the […]

Julián Is a Mermaid

Reviewed by Beverly Slapin Review Source: De Colores: The Raza Experience Book Author: Dear Readers— Since I wrote and published our review of Julián Is a Mermaid (see it here), there has been much online discussion about this book. Dr. Laura Jiménez has just published a personal and profound essay — entitled Trans People Aren’t Mythical Creatures […]

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 […]