Social Justice Books

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

The Lost Dreamer

Reviewed by Cris Rhodes Review Source: Latinx in Kid Lit Book Author: MY TWO CENTS: From the very first sentences, when Indir is awoken, afraid and disoriented, by the trumpeting of a conch shell, The Lost Dreamer, Lizz Huerta’s stunning debut, pulls readers into the dreamy and rich world of a magical, uncolonized Central America. Indir holds […]

Alicia and the Hurricane

Reviewed by Tayna M. Rivera Rodríguez Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Alicia and the Hurricane / Alicia y el huracán: A Story of Puerto Rico / Un cuento de Puerto Rico resembles the story of many little kids in Puerto Rico who experienced Hurricane Maria in 2017. Hurricane Maria is the deadliest natural disaster […]

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 […]

Vicki and A Summer of Change! ¡Vicki y un verano de cambio!

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Vicki and a Summer of Change! ¡Vicki y un verano de cambio! is a bilingual picture book that teaches children a history often unacknowledged. While the 1960s in America marked a time of social movements around civil rights, the efforts and strides achieved by the […]

Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  Between Us and Abuela is a compelling story about family separation at the Mexico-United States border and the longing for reunion. Young María and Juan travel with their mother on La Posada Sin Fronteras (The Inn Without Borders) to the enforcement zone, located between […]

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 […]