Social Justice Books

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

Breonna Marches Through Time

Reviewed by Brad Manker Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: During the summer of 2020, young Washington, D.C., resident Breonna laments her loss of freedom during the COVID-19 lockdown and loss of community during Black Lives Matter protests. One day while she and her family are watching a news broadcast, she magically travels through time […]

We Care: A First Conversation About Justice

Reviewed by Makai Kellogg Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: We Care: A First Conversation About Justice shows young readers how anyone can contribute to community care and justice, even if it takes time and multiple attempts.  This book is a blueprint on how to disrupt existing structures and radically envision what is possible. […]

The Tower of Life: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and Photographs

Reviewed by Brad Manker Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Chana Stiefel and Susan Gal’s picture book, The Tower of Life, tenderly provides background to WWII and the Holocaust in an age-appropriate way. It honors the extraordinary work of Dr. Yaffa Eliach, a Holocaust survivor who single-handedly collected photographs and stories from the people of […]

Priya Dreams of Marigolds & Masala

Reviewed by Abrita Kuthumi and Brad Manker Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Every day after school, Priya and her grandmother, Babi Ba, make rotli (flatbread). Every day, Priya asks, “What is India like?”and Babi Ba describes the smells, sights, and tastes of her beloved homeland.  One winter, Priya notices her grandmother gazing at […]

We Care: A First Conversation About Justice

Reviewed by Brad Manker Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: We Care: A First Conversation About Justice by Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli, with illustrations by Sharee Miller, introduces young children to the concept of justice as an active process. In their introduction, the authors state: “All children deserve to grow up in a just […]

The Umbrella

Reviewed by Olvin Abrego Ayala Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: The Umbrella is a visually appealing children’s book that accurately portrays the rich diversity of plant and animal life in Costa Rica and Central America. Jan Brett’s beautiful illustrations of the Monteverde Cloudforest bring the story to life and make it an engaging read.  […]