Social Justice Books

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

Black Girl You Are Atlas

Review Source: Rethinking Schools Book Author: Black Girl You Are Atlas is Renée Watson’s first book of poetry. Like her novels, Watson’s poems explore the intersection of race, class, and gender. And like her novels, this semi-autobiographical collection celebrates the joys and sorrows of growing up a Black girl in this country. Woven throughout the book are […]

All My Rage

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  A powerful contemporary young adult novel, All My Rage is rife with anger and grief on the ongoing price of the American dream for immigrant families. This narrative is an homage to the predecessors who painstakingly worked to carve out a smoother pathway for their […]

With Lots of Love

Reviewed by Estella Frias Review Source: Reading Is Resistance Book Author:  She missed Abuela’s warm tortillas and the way they smelled sweet and fresh, like the damp earth after a soft rain. She missed the pretty song of her language. With Lots of Love tells Rocio’s riveting story about the struggle and newness of immigrating […]

When Stars Are Scattered

Reviewed by Lidwien Kapteijns Book Source: African Access Book Author: This graphic novel for 9-12 year-old readers is a real masterpiece. It is based on the life of a Somali boy called Omar, who had to flee his rural village in Somalia in 1991 when he was four, and, together with his mentally challenged younger […]

Calvin

Interview by Audie Cornish, Jonaki Mehta, and Sarah Handel Review Source: NPR Book Author: Instead of a review, we are posting an interview with the authors of Calvin,  JR and Vanessa Ford, by Audie Cornish, Jonaki Mehta, and Sarah Handel at NPR. Calvin was always a boy — but the world did not recognize him that […]

My Rainbow

Reviewed by Paige Pagan and Brad Manker Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  Simple language and vibrant illustrations highlight the warm dynamics of a close-knit and accepting Black family in this picture book about a transgender child living with autism. This book for younger elementary school students centers on Trinity, a transgender girl in a […]