Social Justice Books

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

Music of What Happens

Reviewed by Conner Suddick Review Source: Independent Book Author: Life is comprised of moments that seem asynchronous, but they result in a rich symphony. The Music of What Happens by Bill Konigsberg details the burgeoning relationship between high schoolers Max and Jordan and how they overcome their inner demons. At first, they seem completely incompatible, with […]

Indian No More

Reviewed by Ashleigh, age 13 Review Source: Indigo’s Bookshelf: Voices of Native Youth Book Author: Indian No More, by Charlene Willing McManis with Traci Sorell, is one of the best books I’ve ever read. Thank you to Tu Books and Stacy L. Whitman for sending @ofglades the uncorrected proof to review. At first, I was sorry […]

Forest World

Reviewed by Padma Venkatraman Review Source: The Pirate Tree Book Author: In Forest World, Young People’s Poet Laureate, Margarita Engle, once again demonstrates her mastery over the verse novel form, wielding it to speak eloquently of the need to protect our environment. Told through the eyes of its young protagonists, Edver and Luza, however, this underlying […]

Biddy Mason Speaks Up

Reviewed by Sarah Jo Zaharako Review Source: Reading While White Book Author: In 1866, Biddy Mason bought a parcel of land on the outskirts of Los Angeles. The purchase provided a legacy for her family and helped Mason become one of the wealthiest people in Los Angeles. She was 48 years old, a midwife and herbalist; […]

Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle

Reviewed by Jessica Walsh Review Source: Latinx in Kids Lit Book Author: DESCRIPTION FROM THE PUBLISHER: Her last name may mean “kings,” but Ana María Reyes REALLY does not live in a castle. Rather, she’s stuck in a tiny apartment with two parents (way too loveydovey), three sisters (way too dramatic), everyone’s friends (way too often), and […]

Troublemaker for Justice

Reviewed by Conner Suddick Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Authors: Troublemaker for Justice illuminates readers on the life and legacy of Bayard Rustin. A notable civil rights leader, Rustin is often cast into the historical shadows of the civil rights movement because of his sexuality, his political engagement with the communist party during the […]