Social Justice Books

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

Amira’s Picture Day

Reviewed by Ariana Hussain Review Source: Hijabi Librarians Book Author: Amira feels conflicted when she realizes that school picture day is the same day as Eid. Spotting the crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan, Amira and her brother Ziyad know it means that there will be prayers, celebrations, and skipping school the following day. Amira’s […]

Salma the Syrian Chef

Reviewed by Hadeal Salamah Review Source: Hijabi Librarians Book Author: Salma and her mother are Syrian Muslim refugees living at the Welcome Center for new immigrants in Vancouver, Canada. They both miss home and hope that one day soon Salma’s papa will be able to join them. Mama’s long days are filled with English classes and […]

The World Needs More Purple People

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: The World Needs More Purple People is designed to teach early elementary children that they should be inquisitive, humorous, kind, outspoken, diligent, and authentic, which are all essential qualities indeed and according to the protagonist, Penny, all needed to become a purple person. The […]

A Day with Yayah

Reviewed by Jean Mendoza Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: As a grandmother and longtime teacher of young children, I’m delighted to share my enthusiasm for A Day with Yayah, a 2018 Crocodile Books release by award-winning author Nicola I. Campbell (Interior Salish), illustrated by another award-winner, Julie Flett (Cree-Metis). A Day with Yayah is a visual […]

Johnny’s Pheasant

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Author: Johnny’s Pheasant is written by Cheryl Minnema (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and illustrated by Julie Flett (Cree-Métis). New in 2019, it is a picture book I am pleased to recommend. Grandma’s are special, aren’t they? Mine was, and I know my mom is special […]

I Sang You Down from the Stars

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: As I sit here at my computer on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, and think about the books that I reviewed last week, I notice that women and children, and grandchildren are at the center of each one. That continues with I Sang […]