Social Justice Books

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

A Roof!

Reviewed by Deborah Menkart Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: A Roof! by Stephanie Ellen Sy tells a heartwarming story of a community coming together to help a family whose roof blew off in a typhoon, a common occurrence where the book is set in the Philippines. The book provides a description of the roles of […]

Navajo Code Talkers

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: I love that Danielle C. Burbank (Diné) opens her book, Navajo Code Talkers, with the word Yá’át’ééh! It signals that we’re going to learn about the Code Talkers from someone for whom this is not a subject. Instead, it is her family’s life. […]

We Care: A First Conversation About Justice

Reviewed by Makai Kellogg Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: We Care: A First Conversation About Justice shows young readers how anyone can contribute to community care and justice, even if it takes time and multiple attempts.  This book is a blueprint on how to disrupt existing structures and radically envision what is possible. […]

We Care: A First Conversation About Justice

Reviewed by Brad Manker Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: We Care: A First Conversation About Justice by Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli, with illustrations by Sharee Miller, introduces young children to the concept of justice as an active process. In their introduction, the authors state: “All children deserve to grow up in a just […]

The Umbrella

Reviewed by Olvin Abrego Ayala Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: The Umbrella is a visually appealing children’s book that accurately portrays the rich diversity of plant and animal life in Costa Rica and Central America. Jan Brett’s beautiful illustrations of the Monteverde Cloudforest bring the story to life and make it an engaging read.  […]

The Rainbow Parade

Reviewed by Emma Ball, edited by Zapoura Newton-Calvert Review Source: Reading Is Resistance Book Author:  The sidewalk outside is filled with people waiting for the parade to start. Everyone is wearing whatever makes them feel most like themselves. The Rainbow Parade by Emily Neilson, a representation of the author’s own experiences going to gay pride […]