Social Justice Books

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

From North to South / Del Norte al Sur

Reviewed by Grace Cornell Review Source: Rethinking Schools Book Author: Hot off the press, From North to South/Del norte al sur addresses issues of family separation and deportation head-on. The story is told from the perspective of José, a young child who travels from San Diego to Tijuana to see his mother, recently deported in a […]

The Moon Within

Reviewed by Conner Suddick Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Reconciling identity and the prospect of adulthood is challenging. With stunning poetic storytelling, fresh perspective, and the incorporation of Spanish and Nahuatl languages, The Moon Within by Aida Salazar focuses on the life of Celi Rivera, a Mexican-Puerto Rican growing up in Oakland, California. […]

¡Our Celebración!

Reviewed by Kirkus Review Review Source: Kirkus Review Book Author: Rhyming couplets in English and Spanish offer a language lesson to readers who join multicultural friends at a vibrant neighborhood celebration with music, fireworks, and a fabulous parade. The day begins with sunshine as the text invites readers to follow a happy, interracial group that […]

My Papi Has a Motorcycle

Reviewed by The Horn Book Review Source: The Horn Book Book Author: Quintero’s picture-book text acts as an evocative love letter to her apá and to the interconnected web of Mexican immigrant working-class people who built her hometown of Corona, California. When Papi gets home from work, young Daisy jumps into his arms for a […]

Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle

Reviewed by Jessica Walsh Review Source: Latinx in Kids Lit Book Author: DESCRIPTION FROM THE PUBLISHER: Her last name may mean “kings,” but Ana María Reyes REALLY does not live in a castle. Rather, she’s stuck in a tiny apartment with two parents (way too loveydovey), three sisters (way too dramatic), everyone’s friends (way too often), and […]

Dalia’s Wondrous Hair

Review Author Sujei Lugo Review Source: Latinx in Kid Lit Book Author: DESCRIPTION FROM THE BOOK: A Cuban girl transforms her long and unruly hair into a garden. MY TWO CENTS: In this bilingual picture book, with a Spanish translation by Gabriela Baeza Ventura, Laura Lacámara brings us a whimsical Caribbean tale of a young Cuban girl and […]