Social Justice Books

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

The Other Boy

Reviewed by Conner Suddick Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Twelve-year-old Shane Woods is a lovable, creative, and athletic boy navigating the interplay of his gender identity, social life, and family dynamics. In The Other Boy, M. G. Hennessey depicts Shane’s journey as he grapples with his identity as a transgender person. His entire […]

She He They Me For the Sisters Misters & Binary Resisters

Reviewed by Conner Suddick Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: OUT OF PRINT In the words of Dr. Robyn Ryle, “Gender is an epic adventure.” In her book, She, He, They, Me: For the Sisters, Misters, and Binary Resisters, Dr. Ryle provides readers the opportunity to embark on a self-determined gender journey. Written in […]

The Moon Within

Reviewed by Conner Suddick Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Reconciling identity and the prospect of adulthood is challenging. With stunning poetic storytelling, fresh perspective, and the incorporation of Spanish and Nahuatl languages, The Moon Within by Aida Salazar focuses on the life of Celi Rivera, a Mexican-Puerto Rican growing up in Oakland, California. […]

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 […]