Social Justice Books

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

Kapaemahu

Reviewed by Brad Manker Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  Kapaemahu is a centuries-old traditional Hawaiian story (mo’olelo) based on “The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu,” first published in 1907. The legend tells of four extraordinary Tahitians who traveled to the island of Oahu and taught local people the art of healing. The tall, gentle visitors […]

My Brother Is Away

Reviewed by Keesha Ceran Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Written by Sara Greenwood and illustrated by Luisa Uribe, My Brother is Away is about a young girl whose brother is incarcerated. The story is based on the author’s childhood experience that connects young readers with similar stories all too rarely represented in children’s […]

The Spirit of Chicano Park / El espíritu del parque Chicano

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  This bilingual picture book introduces young people to the Chicano Park Takeover in Barrio Logan, San Diego in 1970. The narrative begins in the present day with Bettie and Bonky, siblings that move to Barrio Logan with their parents. When they go out to explore […]

Un tren llamado Esperanza / A Train Called Hope

Reviewed by: Beverly Slapin Review Source: De Colores: The Raza Experience in Books for Children Book Author:  For many immigrants from Central America, part of their journey might be on top of a dangerous, speeding train. They often refer to the train as “La Bestia” (“The Beast”), and pray that they arrive in one piece. Un […]

For All / Para Todos

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  For All Para Todos takes children on Flor and her father’s journey of crossing the Mexico-United States border and the injustices they face as undocumented immigrants in a nation that is heralded as one united para todos. Growing up, television serves as a window […]

Calling the Doves / El canto de las palomas

Reviewed by Grace Cornell Gonzales Review Source: De Colores: The Raza Experience in Books for Children Book Author: Calling the Doves is a prime example of two of the qualities that draw me to Juan Felipe Herrera’s work again and again: the richness of his poetic language and his fluent writing in both Spanish and English. […]