Social Justice Books

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

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 […]

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 Bridge Home

Reviewed by Edi Campbell Review Source: Cotton Quilts Book Author: Padma Venkatraman has now published four books for young readers. She most often writes stories based in her Indian heritage and just as often reflects themes of social justice and activism. In The Bridge Home, her activism shifts in a more spiritual and inward direction. The Bridge […]

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 […]

The Case of the Burgled Bundle

Reviewed by Jean Mendoza Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Oh, the joys of a good mystery! This year saw publication of the third book in the middle-grade Mighty Muskrats series by Michael Hutchinson (Cree). This is a “Short and Sweet” review. The publisher, Second Story Press, says this about The Case of the Burgled Bundle: […]

The Case of Windy Lake

Reviewed by Jean Mendoza Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Hutchinson’s Mighty Muskrats are four cousins — Atim, Chickadee, Otter, and Sam — who live on the Windy Lake First Nation (pretty sure this is a fictional location) in what’s currently called Canada. These tweens are smart, curious, and resourceful. They operate out […]