Social Justice Books

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

How Do You Say? / ¿Cómo se Dice?

Reviewed by Beverly Slapin Review Source: De Colores: The Raza Experience in Books for Children Book Author: When two young giraffes—one who speaks Spanish and one who speaks English—discover each other at an acacia tree that provides a “delicious! / ¡sabrosa!” leafy meal for both of them and they can share water from the same small […]

Tito Puente: Mambo King / Rey del Mambo

Reviewed by Sujei Lugo Review Source: Latinx in Kid Lit Book Author: Monica Brown Brown was presented with the challenge of summarizing Tito Puente’s life and music career in a picture book, and with the collaboration of Rafael López and his lovely illustrations, she succeeded wonderfully. What makes this picture book stand out is how beautifully words […]

Juana & Lucas

Reviewed by: Becky Villareal Review Source: Latinx in Kid Lit Book Author: Juana & Lucas by Juana Medina is a colorful adventure through the life of young Juana as she learns to speak and read “The English.” Juana Medina sprinkles cognates throughout the book using them to their full potential. Since they are placed strategically, it […]

Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation

Reviewed by Lila Quintero Weaver Review Source: Latinx in Kid Lit Book Author: Kudos to Duncan Tonatiuh for shining a bright spotlight on a consequential, but often overlooked chapter of American civil rights, and bringing this true story of Latinos fighting for racial justice to young readers. The book features Tonatiuh’s trademark, award-winning illustration and his […]

Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote: A Migrant’s Tale

Teaching Ideas Reviewed by Lila Quintero Weaver Review Source: Latinxs in Kid Lit Book Author: DESCRIPTION FROM THE BOOK JACKET: A young rabbit named Pancho eagerly awaits his papa’s return. Papa Rabbit left two years ago to travel far away north to find work in the great lettuce and carrot fields to earn money for his family. When […]

Kamik Joins the Pack

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Kamik Joins the Pack was in my mail today. Adapted from the memories of Darryl Baker, who is Inuit, the story is the third in Inhabit Media’s series featuring Jake and his pup, Kamik. I first met Kamik in 2013, in Kamik: An Inuit Puppy Story. Jake had […]