Social Justice Books

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

The Princess of Fort Hill Shelter

Reviewed by Deborah Thomas Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Written by D.C. high school students, Karta Morris, Darne’sah Walker and Zorita Walker, The Princess of Fort Hill Shelter tells a beautiful story of a young girl navigating difficult changes in her family. The book opens with Princess McKenzie welcoming the reader into her […]

Out of Breath: Kendra’s Big Secret

Reviewed by Deborah Thomas Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Out of Breath: Kendra’s Big Secret by teen authors and Washington, D.C., high school students, Destiney Mayhew, Aderemi Abosede, and Kairon Cunningham is a fun read with very serious elements about public health, trust, and communication. Kendra Kangaroo has a secret: she has asthma. […]

Ruth and the Green Book

Reviewed by Deborah Menkart Review Source: Rethinking Schools Book Author: A historical fiction picture book for 7- to 11-year-olds about the challenges of traveling for African American families during the Jim Crow era. As Ruth travels with her family from Chicago to Alabama to visit her grandmother, she learns that the Green Book provides a […]

Dos Conejos Blancos / Two White Rabbits

Review by Beverly Slapin Reviewed Source: DeColores Reviews Book Author: On the cover is a little girl, comfortably lying down with her head resting on her papá’s leg. Her body is relaxed and her eyes are wide open; she’s happily playing with her toy bunny. Papá is sitting upright, leaning on his backpack. He’s looking […]

The Hoodie Hero

Reviewed by Matthew Smee Reviewed Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: The Hoodie Hero by Washington, D.C. high school students Ashley Cooper, Daequan Golden, and Rico McCard tells an inspirational story of confronting a bully that is chock-a-block with valuable lessons. The story opens with the protagonist, Da’Monte, playing basketball at school. The reader is […]

Amina’s Voice

Reviewed by CCBC Review Source: CCBC Book Author: Amina is unhappy that her best friend, Soojin, has recently started inviting Emily, a classmate neither of them have ever liked, to spend time with them. At home, Amina’s family is getting ready for the visit of Thaya Jaan, her father’s older brother, from Pakistan. To impress […]