by Coretta Scott King with the Reverend Dr. Barbara Reynolds Adapted by Julia Sooy Illustrated by Ekua Holmes 5 stars A powerful adaptation of King’s memoir in a format suitable for young readers. I love to see so many more books focusing on the life and work of Coretta Scott King. The book covers King’s…
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Illustrated by Dave Henderson 4 stars While this one didn’t really have a mystery to it, I really enjoyed this Ghostwriter adventure. When a new principal takes over, the students at Hurston Middle School are surprised to learn a dress code is being implemented. Lenni does not agree with the vague guidelines and she and…
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Illustrated by David Roberts 4 stars I love that this series has expanded from STEM fields to activism. This was a powerful read about one girl’s passion to help others, even if it means doing things that scare her. The most realistic of the Questioneers picture books so far, this one focuses on Sofia’s efforts…
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by Rob Sanders Illustrated by Jamey Christoph 4 stars A beautiful book that depicts the remarkable story of the AIDS Memorial Quilt through lyrical text and wonderful illustrations. In this narrative nonfiction picture book, Sanders tells some of the major events in Cleve Jones’ life alongside the development of AIDS in America. Interspersed throughout the…
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by Carole Boston Weatherford Illustrated by Frank Morrison 4 stars A remarkable exploration of history as told through the modernized lyrics of the popular spiritual, “Standing in the Need of Prayer”. The book works in various events throughout history from the American slave trade to Emancipation to the Civil Rights Movement to the Black Lives…
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3 stars A nice intro for young readers on why plastics are a problem and how to get more involved. Loved the push for changing local habits and fighting for large-scale solutions. This book offers a very basic look at the issues surrounding plastics, making it a good starting point. The small size makes it…
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3 stars Set five years after a devastating hurricane, this novel-in-verse finds the community of Holgate, New Jersey still picking up the pieces. Follow Eliza as she deals with anxiety after facing the hurricane’s destruction firsthand, simultaneously fights for the preservation of the marshlands, and develops feelings for a wealthy new arrival to her island…
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by Mara Rockliff Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley 4 stars A fantastic and inspiring biography picture book about the career of Billie Jean King. The book focuses mainly on King’s tennis career with a little more about her personal life included in the backmatter. Throughout the story, King is faced with sexist remarks, questions, and treatment….
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Young Readers’ Edition by Layla F. Saad 5 stars This is such a fantastic book. I want to give it all the stars! A kid-friendly primer on various concepts related to antiracism and white supremacy. There is a lot of information packed into it, but Saad gives the readers time to reflect and engage with…
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by Mahogany L. Browne with Elizabeth Acevedo and Olivia Gatwood Illustrated by Theodore Taylor III Forward by Jason Reynolds 5 stars A phenomenal collection of poetry focused on race, identity, equality, and justice. The book blends elements of history, resistance, injustice, and anti-racism. It also explains various concepts such as privilege, intersectionality, and stereotypes. Each…
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