Social Justice Books

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

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 […]

Ajijaak – Crane

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: In 2018, Ajijaak – Crane was published by Waub Ajijaak Press, in Manistee, Michigan. Written by Cecilia Rose LaPointe, illustrated by Dolly Peltier, and translated into Anishinaabe by Margaret Noodin, it is one I am pleased to recommend. The story opens with […]

Sing a Song: How “Lift Every Voice and Sing” Inspired Generations

Reviewed by Deborah Menkart Review Source: Rethinking Schools Book Author: We should all know the story and words of the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and now thanks to this picture book, we can. Author Kelly Starling Lyons tells the 120-year history of the song through generations of her family who have […]

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 […]