Social Justice Books

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

The Gravedigger’s Archaeology

Review Source: Independent Book Author: I have taught several poems by Salvadoran American poet William Archila. At the end of my American Literature class, we have discussed several of Archila’s poems. His poems are accessible but crafted and beautiful. He surprises his reader with language that invites the reader to a deeper understanding and empathy. […]

The Radius of Us

Reviewed by Daniella Burgi-Palomino Review Source: Independent Book Author: Recommended with a caveat Marie Marquardt’s captivating and poignant story of Phoenix and Gretchen in The Radius of Us draws the reader in and makes us feel like we really get to know both characters and accompany them on their emotional journey. I give the author credit […]

Frankly in Love

Reviewed by Cierra Kaler-Jones Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Although the title indicates that this might be a romance, the book covers love in not just romantic ways, but as family, friendship, protection, forgiveness, acceptance, and letting go. The true strength of the novel is that the author, David Yoon, navigates cultural differences, […]

Kent State: Four Dead in Ohio

Reviewed by Don Allen Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: This outstanding graphic novel fills a huge void in the Kent State literature. While Kent State University’s library has a whole room dedicated to May 4th, 1970 – there is enough reading to last for years – there have been few books for young […]

War Girls

    Reviewed by Toyin Falola, Ph.D. Review Source: Africa Access Book Author: War Girls gives a captivating and harrowing sneak peek of the potential future before us in the 2170s: The Earth ravaged by climate change, space colonies forming, human beings turning more machine-like, and the remaining Earth dwellers struggling to survive. Among the struggling Earth […]

Stolen Justice: The Struggle for African American Voting Rights

Reviewed by Edi Campbell Review Source: Cotton Quilts Book Authors: I didn’t begin to appreciate nonfiction until my adult years. During my childhood, nonfiction I think was primarily written for for adults; particularly white, male adults. Even more so, it was a dry, informational text, a text that led readers to think it was delivering honest, bias […]