Social Justice Books

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

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre

Review Source: Rethinking Schools Book Author: Written as a “Once upon a time . . .” story in a picture book format about the thriving Black community of Greenwood, Unspeakable centers on the history before the 1921 massacre. Children learn about the Black businesses, libraries, schools (“where some say Black children got a better education than whites”), […]

Displacement

Reviewed by Nikki (16, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) Review Source: Bank Street College of Education Book Author: This book provides an invaluable perspective for younger generations on how the injustices faced decades ago are still applicable to today’s world. As a descendant of Japanese Americans who were forced into these internment camps, I had heard […]

The Brave

Reviewed by Deborah Locke Review Source: The Circle Book Author: The Brave is compelling, but could do without the stereotypes. This book, The Brave, by James Bird, about a boy who overcomes a disability and hard start in life, could have been great. It’s not great. Granted, the book was written for middle school-age children, and […]

The Sea in Winter

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Jean and I both read Christine Day’s The Sea in Winter and are thrilled by what Day has written! A review is forthcoming, but I wanted to give you all a heads-up. Day’s book comes out on January 5, 2021. Pre-order it! And check […]

Mary and the Trail of Tears: A Cherokee Removal Survival Story

Reviewed by Catherine Baty Review Source: Acornmush Book Author: When I first got Mary and the Trail of Tears I checked the About the Author on the last page. Often in children’s literature Native stories are told by non-Natives which can lead to inaccuracies in the portrayal of characters. I was delighted to learn that the author, Andrea […]

Ways to Make Sunshine

Reviewed by Jazelle Hunt Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: With Ways to Make Sunshine, Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Renée Watson brings us a confident, bright, aspiring chef named Ryan Hart, an African American girl “with a name that a lot of boys have.” When we meet Ryan she is […]