Social Justice Books

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

I Lived on Butterfly Hill

Reviewed by: Deborah Menkart Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: While I Lived on Butterfly Hill by Marjorie Agosín is beautifully written and exposes the horrors of the overthrow of Salvador Allende in Chile through the eyes of a young girl, I was shocked to find a casual, uncritical inclusion of Gone with the […]

The Smell of Old Lady Perfume

Reviewed by Sonia Alejandra Rodríguez Review Source: De Colores: The Raza Experience in Books for Children Book Author: Martínez’s debut young adult novel captures the turmoil of a family’s losing its center, and at the same time emphasizes the importance of staying in school. Chela’s parents are immigrants and her father makes clear that his options […]

A Surprise for Teresita / Una Sorpresa Para Teresita

Reviewed by Dora Guzman Review Source: Latinx in Kid Lit Book Author: This realistic fiction picture book in a bilingual English/Spanish text format is about a girl, Teresita, anticipating her uncle, Tio Ramon, and her birthday gift. As Teresita goes about her day, she meets other neighbors who are also anticipating her uncle’s famous snow cones. […]

Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation

Reviewed by Lila Quintero Weaver Review Source: Latinx in Kid Lit Book Author: Kudos to Duncan Tonatiuh for shining a bright spotlight on a consequential, but often overlooked chapter of American civil rights, and bringing this true story of Latinos fighting for racial justice to young readers. The book features Tonatiuh’s trademark, award-winning illustration and his […]

César: ¡Sí, Se Puede! Yes, We Can!

Reviewed by Beverly Slapin Review Source: De Colores Book Author: In a powerful collection of lyrical, free verse poems rich in farmworker idiom, Bernier-Grand has reconstructed the life and work of the founder and organizer of the United Farm Workers. What makes these poems remarkable is that they not only chronicle the life of a […]

Stef Soto, Taco Queen

Reviewed by Caissa Casarez Review Source: Latinx in Kid Lit Book Author: Jennifer Torres doesn’t waste any time introducing the readers to Stef and the people in her life, including Papi and her best friend Arthur in the first scene outside of their Catholic middle school. She notices Papi in his taco truck – known as […]