Social Justice Books

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

A Girl Called Echo

Reviewed by Jean Mendoza Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature  Book Author: Apple, Echo, and the Importance of “More Than One Book” Two Native high school girls, two unique stories about not fitting in, and about trying to make sense of Indigenous heritage/ancestry when something has disrupted their place in a Native community…. Most regular […]

Dactyl Hill Squad

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Some time back, I learned that Daniel José Older was working on a series that would blend history and fantasy. The first book in the series—Dactyl Hill Squad—is out and I gotta say, I enjoyed it! Older, by the way, is not […]

Mission to Space

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Regular readers of American Indians in Children’s Literature know that I emphasize several points when reviewing children’s or young adult books, especially: Is the book by a Native author or illustrator? Does the book, in some way, include something to tell readers […]

Zoe and the Fawn

Reviewed by Jean Mendoza Review Source: American Indian’s in Children’s Literature Book Author: Little Zoe and her dad are feeding their horses when Zoe is captivated by a fawn lying under an aspen tree nearby. Dad takes a picture. Zoe wonders where the fawn’s mother is, and Dad suggests they look for her. They walk through […]

She Sang Promise: The Story of Betty Mae Jumper: Seminole Tribal Leader

Reviewed by Alexis Blendel Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: This is my last year of Florida Virtual School. Soon I will take a trip with my cousin to the Glades to visit the Big Cypress Reservation. My mother is originally from Hollywood, but I want to see the Glades again. It […]

Dragonfly Kites

Reviewed by Debbie Reese Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature Book Author: Fifteen years ago, I learned about three delightful picture books by Tomson Highway. Illustrated by Brian Deines, each one had a great story that was presented in English and in Cree. Fox on the Ice, Caribou Song, and Dragonfly Kites were published by a major publisher […]