Social Justice Books

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

The Big Bed

Reviewed by Deborah W. Thomas Tellin’ Stories Roving Readers Coordinator Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: A young girl negotiates with her dad about who should sleep in the big bed with mommy. Not wanting to hurt her dad’s feelings, a little girl calls a meeting to discuss a problem they have, The Big […]

The Other Boy

Reviewed by Conner Suddick Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Twelve-year-old Shane Woods is a lovable, creative, and athletic boy navigating the interplay of his gender identity, social life, and family dynamics. In The Other Boy, M. G. Hennessey depicts Shane’s journey as he grapples with his identity as a transgender person. His entire […]

She He They Me For the Sisters Misters & Binary Resisters

Reviewed by Conner Suddick Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: OUT OF PRINT In the words of Dr. Robyn Ryle, “Gender is an epic adventure.” In her book, She, He, They, Me: For the Sisters, Misters, and Binary Resisters, Dr. Ryle provides readers the opportunity to embark on a self-determined gender journey. Written in […]

The Moon Within

Reviewed by Conner Suddick Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Reconciling identity and the prospect of adulthood is challenging. With stunning poetic storytelling, fresh perspective, and the incorporation of Spanish and Nahuatl languages, The Moon Within by Aida Salazar focuses on the life of Celi Rivera, a Mexican-Puerto Rican growing up in Oakland, California. […]

Troublemaker for Justice

Reviewed by Conner Suddick Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Authors: Troublemaker for Justice illuminates readers on the life and legacy of Bayard Rustin. A notable civil rights leader, Rustin is often cast into the historical shadows of the civil rights movement because of his sexuality, his political engagement with the communist party during the […]

Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School

Reviewed by Deborah Menkart Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: This picture book for mid- to upper-elementary tells the story of Lilly Ann Granderson, an enslaved woman who taught hundreds of people in Kentucky and Mississippi to read. Her schools were held in secrecy and under threat of severe punishment. Readers learn not only […]