Social Justice Books

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

Abuela’s Weave

Reviewed by Brad Manker Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Abuela’s Weave tells the story of a girl (Esperanza) and her grandmother (Abuela), a tale of an older generation passing on a traditional artform — weaving — to a younger one. It begins in the rural Guatemalan compound where the two women live with their […]

Alicia and the Hurricane

Reviewed by Tayna M. Rivera Rodríguez Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Alicia and the Hurricane / Alicia y el huracán: A Story of Puerto Rico / Un cuento de Puerto Rico resembles the story of many little kids in Puerto Rico who experienced Hurricane Maria in 2017. Hurricane Maria is the deadliest natural disaster […]

Deb Haaland: First Native American Cabinet Secretary

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: In children’s literature, we talk about the importance of representation. Seeing someone who looks like you is powerfully affirming. In 2016, I experienced that affirmation. Deb Haaland was at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.  I shared my joy on Twitter:   And […]

Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong

Reviewed by Joshua Talosig Review Source: International Examiner Book Author: It is well known that children’s literature has a powerful ability to provide impactful and long-lasting lessons on its target audience. They can make our youth smile, laugh and feel empathy for the people whose tales are told within. Yet, we rarely see juvenile literature also […]

The Great Bear: The Misewa Saga, Book Two

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature  Book Author: Thoughts on David A. Robertson’s The Great Bear being removed from libraries On April 15, I began to see posts on social media about David A. Robertson’s The Great Bear being removed from libraries. Published by Puffin (Penguin Random House Canada) in Sept 2021, it was […]

The Frog Mother

Reviewed by Jean Mendoza Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: How I wish we could see a series like Mothers of Xsan for every part of the continent: local ecosystems from Indigenous perspectives! Hetxw’ms Gyetxw, Natasha Donovan, and Highwater Press have come up with a set of richly illustrated informational books about essential animal inhabitants of […]