Social Justice Books

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

Mango, Abuela, and Me

Reviewed by Beverly Slapin Review Source: De Colores Reviews  Book Author: Young Mia has a problem—her Spanish-speaking abuela has just arrived from the countryside to live with her and her family; and Mia, who speaks English only, cannot communicate as quickly and effectively as she wants to. Which means that, although the two are developing […]

Ada’s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay

Reviewed by Maria Brescia-Weiler Review Source: Independent Book Author: The story of Ada’s Violin begins in the town of Cateura, Paraguay, home to Asunción’s largest garbage dump and a girl with an early interest in music. Almost everyone Ada knows works as a ganchero, sifting through the piles of trash for recyclable goods. Just as Ada […]

Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat

Reviewed by Sujei Lugo and Lila Quintero Weaver Review Source: Latinx in Kid Lit Book Author: Radiant Child is a heartfelt and vibrant picture book about the childhood and life of Puerto Rican-Haitian American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Written for young children, it celebrates Basquiat’s art and traces the early steps of his artistic formation, as […]

Sparkle Boy

Reviewed by Maria Brescia-Weiler Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Sparkle Boy by Leslie Newman starts with a common sibling interaction: Casey wants something his older sister has. In this case, it is a sparkly skirt. It becomes a pattern, with Casey drawing inspiration from his sister Jessie’s skirts, nail polish, and jewelry. Each […]

10,000 Dresses

Reviewed by Katelyn Campbell Review Source: Independent Book Author: 10,000 Dresses shares the story of a trans girl, Bailey, who is trying to make her dreams a reality. Each night, Bailey dreams of a different mystical dress, which she in turn asks each of her family members if they can help her find the next […]

A-to-Z: The Real DC

Reviewed by Matthew Smee Review Source: Independent Book Author: People often look at Washington, D.C. solely through a political lens, as it is the nation’s capital. Federal buildings and monuments are highlighted and other key components of the city are neglected in turn. Few outside of the district are familiar with our vibrant culture and […]