Social Justice Books

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

Sparkle Boy

Reviewed by Maria Brescia-Weiler Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Sparkle Boy by Leslie Newman starts with a common sibling interaction: Casey wants something his older sister has. In this case, it is a sparkly skirt. It becomes a pattern, with Casey drawing inspiration from his sister Jessie’s skirts, nail polish, and jewelry. Each […]

The Princess of Fort Hill Shelter

Reviewed by Deborah Thomas Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Written by D.C. high school students, Karta Morris, Darne’sah Walker and Zorita Walker, The Princess of Fort Hill Shelter tells a beautiful story of a young girl navigating difficult changes in her family. The book opens with Princess McKenzie welcoming the reader into her […]

Out of Breath: Kendra’s Big Secret

Reviewed by Deborah Thomas Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Out of Breath: Kendra’s Big Secret by teen authors and Washington, D.C., high school students, Destiney Mayhew, Aderemi Abosede, and Kairon Cunningham is a fun read with very serious elements about public health, trust, and communication. Kendra Kangaroo has a secret: she has asthma. […]

Taking Down Ms. Moody

Reviewed by Matthew Smee Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: Taking Down Ms. Moody by D.C. high school students, Rochelle Jones, Destiny Mayhew, and Naseem Roach, and illustrated by D.C.’s Duke Ellington School of the Arts graduate, Zoë Gatti, tells a story of students dealing with a difficult teacher. In Taking Down Ms. Moody, the […]

The Hoodie Hero

Reviewed by Matthew Smee Reviewed Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: The Hoodie Hero by Washington, D.C. high school students Ashley Cooper, Daequan Golden, and Rico McCard tells an inspirational story of confronting a bully that is chock-a-block with valuable lessons. The story opens with the protagonist, Da’Monte, playing basketball at school. The reader is […]

Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey

Reviewed by Deborah Menkart Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: This bilingual children’s picture book (English and Arabic) is worth reading for the illustrations alone. The three dimensional characters, made from beach stone by Syrian artist Nizar Ali Badr, are so expressive and exquisite that they tell a story of their own. Badr conveys the […]