Social Justice Books

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

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 […]

More to the Story

Reviewed by Ariana Hussain Review Source: Hijabi Librarians Book Author: In a novel inspired by Little Women, thirteen-year-old Pakistani American Jameela Mirza, second oldest of four sisters and an aspiring journalist, lives with her family in Atlanta. This Eid holiday has brought changes: their beloved father is missing Eid for the first time ever to look for […]