Social Justice Books

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

Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Reviewed by Amy Rothschild Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: This beautifully illustrated book weaves together the story of King’s life with “big words” from his speeches. Teachers can help children translate these words, like “you are as good as anyone,” and “everyone can be great,” to their own experiences.  The author does a […]

The Sea in Winter

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Jean and I both read Christine Day’s The Sea in Winter and are thrilled by what Day has written! A review is forthcoming, but I wanted to give you all a heads-up. Day’s book comes out on January 5, 2021. Pre-order it! And check […]

Mary and the Trail of Tears: A Cherokee Removal Survival Story

Reviewed by Catherine Baty Review Source: Acornmush Book Author: When I first got Mary and the Trail of Tears I checked the About the Author on the last page. Often in children’s literature Native stories are told by non-Natives which can lead to inaccuracies in the portrayal of characters. I was delighted to learn that the author, Andrea […]

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Reviewed by Donald Yacovone, PhD Review Source: ReVista – Harvard Review of Latin America Book Author: Roald Dahl, the Caribbean, and a Warning from His Chocolate Factory People in the United States love chocolate, but history — not so much. For generations, we manufactured blatantly racist textbooks that taught young readers about the inferiority of […]

When Rosa Parks Went Fishing

Reviewed by Brianne Pitts Review Source: Independent Book Author: A picture book rendition of young Rosa Parks’ early life hopes to explore the joy, challenges, and agency of her childhood in rural Alabama. Though promising, like many well-meaning educators teaching the story of Rosa Parks, this text leaves readers with a sterile story that reinforces […]

It Jes’ Happened

Reviewed by Rebecca Lehr Review Source: Independent Book Author: It Jes’ Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to Draw is a biographical children’s book about the  African American folk artist who started drawing at the age of 81 and produced over 1,000 drawings and paintings by his death at the age of 95. It chronicles his life […]