Social Justice Books

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

Room for Everyone

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Note: While we recommend this book for early elementary children as it focuses on community and is an ideal read aloud, we also want to point out a few things to keep in mind while reading. Although the setting of the story is in Zanzibar, […]

Where Three Oceans Meet

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  This picture book for elementary readers tells the story of three generations of women taking a trip through South India to Kanyakumari known as “Land’s End” where three oceans meet. Sejal, Mommy, and Pati all have different motivations for traveling, but they all share comfort […]

Same, Same But Different

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  This picture book intends to teach early elementary children that despite living in different countries and coming from different cultures and lifestyles, friendships may still be forged based on similarities. Elliot and Kailash are pen pals who take each other on a journey into their […]

Swashby and the Sea

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: This joyful picture book for early elementary children emphasizes the transformative influence of friendship. Old Swashby is a recluse who retires to a small house on the beach to be closer to his only long-time friend, the playful sea. Life is solitary and serene […]

Always Anjali

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: On the eve of Anjali’s seventh birthday, all she can think about is the new bike she asked her parents for. When she wakes up to the gift in her living room, she immediately wants to go riding with her friends, Mary and Courtney, to […]

The Spirit of Chicano Park / El espíritu del parque Chicano

Reviewed by Paige Pagan Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  This bilingual picture book introduces young people to the Chicano Park Takeover in Barrio Logan, San Diego in 1970. The narrative begins in the present day with Bettie and Bonky, siblings that move to Barrio Logan with their parents. When they go out to explore […]