Social Justice Books

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

Dalia’s Wondrous Hair

Review Author Sujei Lugo Review Source: Latinx in Kid Lit Book Author: DESCRIPTION FROM THE BOOK: A Cuban girl transforms her long and unruly hair into a garden. MY TWO CENTS: In this bilingual picture book, with a Spanish translation by Gabriela Baeza Ventura, Laura Lacámara brings us a whimsical Caribbean tale of a young Cuban girl and […]

My Shoes and I: Crossing Three Borders

Reviewed by Beverly Slapin Review Source: De Colores Book Author: My Shoes and I: Crossing Three Frontiers / Mis Zapatos y Yo: Cruzando Tres Fronteras was originally published in English by Boyds Mills Press in 2010. With English text modified and simplified, and Spanish added for this edition, the story is based on Colato Laínez’ own […]

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 […]