Social Justice Books

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

My Beautiful Birds

Reviewed by Deborah Menkart Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: This picture book about a child and his family fleeing the destruction of their beloved town in Syria features exquisite mixed-media art. Sami, the protagonist, is worried about the survival of his pet pigeons as his family makes the long trek to a refugee […]

Olita and Manyula

Reviewed by Wendy Bermudez Review Source: Independent Book Author: Olita (Holly) is a young Salvadoran-American girl who is visiting her family and friends in El Salvador. As soon as she arrives, her family members invite her to attend Manyula’s birthday party. The children make their way to Manyula’s house: jumping over puddles and walking under […]

Mamá the Alien // Mamá la Extraterrestre

Reviewed by Wendy Bermudez Review Source: Independent Book Author: Mamá the Alien is a humorous story about how one word with two different meanings can be interpreted by a young Latina girl. Sofia only knows one definition for the word alien; one that means a creature from outer space. When Sofia finds her mother’s identification […]

Home at Last

Reviewed by Katelyn Campbell Review Source: Independent Book Author: Home at Last shares the story of a small child, Lester, struggling to adjust during his transition from foster care into a new home with his two adopted fathers. Although Lester is excited to join his new family and their dog from the start of the story, […]

Rainbow Weaver / Tejedora de Arcoiris

Teaching Ideas Reviewed by Rebecca Lehr Review Source: Independent Book Author: Reviewer Rebecca Lehr is an art teacher at a bilingual elementary school in Arlington, Virginia. In a rural village in the Guatemalan Highlands, young Ixchel is anxious to learn the ancient art of weaving from her mother. Ixchel adores the vibrant colors and patterns of […]

Mango, Abuela, and Me

Reviewed by Beverly Slapin Review Source: De Colores Reviews  Book Author: Young Mia has a problem—her Spanish-speaking abuela has just arrived from the countryside to live with her and her family; and Mia, who speaks English only, cannot communicate as quickly and effectively as she wants to. Which means that, although the two are developing […]