Social Justice Books

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

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 […]

Ada’s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay

Reviewed by Maria Brescia-Weiler Review Source: Independent Book Author: The story of Ada’s Violin begins in the town of Cateura, Paraguay, home to Asunción’s largest garbage dump and a girl with an early interest in music. Almost everyone Ada knows works as a ganchero, sifting through the piles of trash for recyclable goods. Just as Ada […]

Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat

Reviewed by Sujei Lugo and Lila Quintero Weaver Review Source: Latinx in Kid Lit Book Author: Radiant Child is a heartfelt and vibrant picture book about the childhood and life of Puerto Rican-Haitian American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Written for young children, it celebrates Basquiat’s art and traces the early steps of his artistic formation, as […]

Sparkle Boy

Reviewed by Maria Brescia-Weiler Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Sparkle Boy by Leslie Newman starts with a common sibling interaction: Casey wants something his older sister has. In this case, it is a sparkly skirt. It becomes a pattern, with Casey drawing inspiration from his sister Jessie’s skirts, nail polish, and jewelry. Each […]