Social Justice Books

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

Watch Me: A Story of Immigration and Inspiration

Reviewed by Deborah Jung Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author: While Watch Me tells an inspiring story for young children, it also perpetuates some common tropes about immigrant success stories that downplay the impact of systemic barriers. Joe is a driven young immigrant to the United States from Sierra Leone who becomes a successful […]

The Story of Juneteenth

Reviewed by Brad Manker Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  The Story of Juneteenth presents an over-simplified explanation of the historic anniversary. While the author’s intent is admirable, this board book follows the dominant, accepted narrative about emancipation and ignores the sacrifices and courage of Black Americans, largely depicting them as passive actors. This problematic […]

My Rainbow

Reviewed by Paige Pagan and Brad Manker Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  Simple language and vibrant illustrations highlight the warm dynamics of a close-knit and accepting Black family in this picture book about a transgender child living with autism. This book for younger elementary school students centers on Trinity, a transgender girl in a […]

A-Train Allen

Reviewed by Vanessa Williams Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  Quick! Hurry! Lickety-split! Dash over and read Lesley Younge’s A-Train Allen, a darling story that reads more like a hero’s errand and less like a hero’s journey because we’re not beleaguered with unwelcome visitors like devastating setbacks or insurmountable obstacles. Simultaneously imaginative and grounded, A-Train […]

Kapaemahu

Reviewed by Brad Manker Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  Kapaemahu is a centuries-old traditional Hawaiian story (mo’olelo) based on “The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu,” first published in 1907. The legend tells of four extraordinary Tahitians who traveled to the island of Oahu and taught local people the art of healing. The tall, gentle visitors […]

Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion

Reviewed by Brad Manker Review Source: Teaching for Change Book Author:  If your ears can’t hear the strum, or hum, or thrum of a melody, can music still swirl and whirl? Talented Evelyn Glennie embraced music from a young age but gradually grew deaf. Her audiologist, and others around her, predicted that she would have to […]