Social Justice Books

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

Sitti’s Secrets

Reviewed by Kirin Review Source: Notes from an Islamic School Librarian Book Author: (Note: This review was posted on February 2, 2017, just days after a gunman opened fire at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City on January 29. Six worshippers were killed and five others were seriously injured.) Sitti’s Secrets was published in 1994 […]

When I Get Older: The Story Behind Wavin’ Flag

Reviewed by Lidwien Kapteijns Review Source: Africa Access Book Author: Since it became the theme song of the Soccer World Cup in 2010, many young people all over the world have come to know and love the “Wavin’ Flag” song of Canadian-Somali Hip Hop singer K’naan (born Keynaan Abdi Warsame). This creative and impressive book for […]

The Best Beekeeper of Lalibela

Reviewed by Azeb Tadesse Review Source: Africa Access Book Author: OUT OF PRINT The Best Beekeeper of Lalibela, recommended for grades 1-3, is a timeless tale of a young girl’s determination to follow her dream. The heroine, Almaz, is determined to be the best beekeeper in her village, even though she is told it’s “men’s work” […]

Joelito’s Big Decision / La Gran Decisión de Joelito

Reviewed by Beverly Slapin Review Source: DeColores Book Author: On April 15, 2015—little more than three months ago—about one million people across the country pulled off the largest demonstration of its kind in US history. The struggle, known as the “Fight for 15,” involved Walmart workers, fast-food workers, child care workers, home health workers, janitorial […]

Creekfinding: A True Story

Review Source: Kirkus Book Author: Bulldozed years earlier and filled to make a cornfield, a lost creek is found and restored on an Iowa farm. When Michael Osterholm learned that a creek had once run under his farmland, he determined to restore it. Following old photographs and using heavy machinery to uncover the original bed […]

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Reviewed by David Eaton Review Source: Africa Access Book Author: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind tells the story of William Kamkwamba, a young man in central Malawi who improvises a windmill out of bicycle and other scrap yard parts to produce electricity for his family’s home. Its 28 pages of text, with a few […]