Social Justice Books

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

The Voting Booth

Reviewed by Deborah Menkart Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: This novel for ages 12+ lives up to its dedication to Fannie Lou Hamer.  Two storylines sweep readers along — one about contemporary challenges of voting on election day and the other a budding love story. High school student protagonist Marva Sheridan has been […]

Kiyoshi’s Walk

Reviewed by Pat Corekin Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: “Where do poems come from?” young Kiyoshi asks his grandfather, Eto, and so begins a wonderful journey of poetic discovery. Eto takes Kiyoshi for a walk through their city. The smallest events — a cat knocking over oranges at the corner store, birds soaring […]

Violet the Snowgirl: A Story of Loss and Healing

Reviewed by: Pat Corekin Review source: Teaching for Change Book author: Two children, Jerzie and Josiah, spend a day building a snowgirl with their grandmother. As they construct their snowgirl, their imaginations create a number of adventure stories — Violet the Snowgirl is a pilot, an alien, a third grade teacher, a librarian, a veterinarian, […]

Each Kindness

Reviewed by Deborah Menkart Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Warning: This picture book for young children does not have a happy ending. And therein is the power and beauty of the story. When a group of children ostracize a new child who is poor, they do not realize how hurtful they are being […]

Swimmy

Reviewed by Deborah Menkart Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Swimmy is the sole survivor of an encounter between a school of small fish and a tuna. When he meets a new group of small fish hiding among the rocks, he is determined to hatch a plan so they can safely explore their world. […]

Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Reviewed by Amy Rothschild Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: This beautifully illustrated book weaves together the story of King’s life with “big words” from his speeches. Teachers can help children translate these words, like “you are as good as anyone,” and “everyone can be great,” to their own experiences.  The author does a […]