Social Justice Books

The best selection of multicultural and social justice books for children, YA, and educators.

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 […]

We March

Reviewed by Allyson Criner Brown Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: The 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom is popularly remembered as the backdrop for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s now-famous speech. We March tells the story of the March on Washington from the perspective of the marchers — in particular, one […]

The Cat Man of Aleppo

Reviewed by Pat Corekin Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Based on the true story of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, The Cat Man of Aleppo provides a poignant account of one man’s struggle to save the lives of cats abandoned in the wake of the Syrian war, which started in 2011 and is still ongoing. […]

Frankly in Love

Reviewed by Cierra Kaler-Jones Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Although the title indicates that this might be a romance, the book covers love in not just romantic ways, but as family, friendship, protection, forgiveness, acceptance, and letting go. The true strength of the novel is that the author, David Yoon, navigates cultural differences, […]

Kent State: Four Dead in Ohio

Reviewed by Don Allen Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: This outstanding graphic novel fills a huge void in the Kent State literature. While Kent State University’s library has a whole room dedicated to May 4th, 1970 – there is enough reading to last for years – there have been few books for young […]