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Raczka, Bob (2017). Niko Draws a Feeling. Carolrhoda Books.

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: Niko is a young boy who loves to draw, and carries his notepad and coloring pencils everywhere. He likes to draw what he sees in the world, such as the birds flying or cars driving by, but in abstract ways. People don't understand Niko's drawings, so he becomes apprehensive when the new girl next door, Iris, asks to see his notepad. She instantly recognizes the feelings he was trying to communicate, and shows her that he feels she is a true friend.

Qualities: Encourages students to "color outside of the lines" and be creative in their own ways, and to think outside of the box.

Social Justice Qualities: Encouragement of creativity, self-expression/self-appreciation

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Reynolds, Peter H. (2003). The Dot. Candlewick Press.

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Reading Level: 1-4

Summary: Vashti is a young girl who believes she cannot draw, and turns in a blank piece of paper in art class. Her teacher encourages her to simply "make her mark" on the paper, so she puts a single dot on the paper, and signs her name. Her teacher frames the paper, and Vashti is inspired to make a better "dot" than before. She makes several different "dots", creating many different pieces of beautiful art. Vashti then passes on the wisdom her teacher gave her to a student who believes he cannot draw a straight line, and tells him to sign his squiggly line, making his mark.

Qualities: Encourages students to try something new, even if they believe they can't do it. In this book, students are pushed to chase their dreams, and try their best.

Social Justice Topics: Self-empowerment, empowerment of others, encouragement of creativity

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Stead, Philip C. (2010). A Sick Day for Amos McGee. Roaring Brook Press.

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Reading Level: K-2

Summary: Amos McGee is a zookeeper who rides the bus to the zoo, where he has made friends and plays games with all of the animals. One day, he feels too sick and stays home from work, so the animals at the zoo get on the bus instead of Amos, and visit him at his home. With the help of his animal friends, Amos begins to feel better than ever.

Qualities: This book encourages students to look after their friends, and to be kind to each and every creature they may encounter, no matter who they are.

Social Justice Topics: Friendship, caring for others

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Yamaguchi, Kristi (2011). Dream Big Little Pig!. Scholastic.

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Reading Level: K-2

Summary: Poppy is a little pig who has a big dream- to be a star ice skater. She soon discovers there are some struggles to becoming a star, but remains persistent and becomes a star ice skater!

Qualities: This book shows students that you shouldn't give up on your dreams, even if society is up against you.

Social Justice Topics: Persistence, self-empowerment

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Freeman, Don (1968). Corduroy. Viking Press.

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Reading Level: 1-4

Summary: Corduroy is a teddy bear in a store who waits for someone to buy him, but he is missing a button. He searches for his missing button, but learns to realize he is lovable without it, and is bought by a little girl who likes him just the same.

Qualities: This book shows students that even if you're not "perfect", you are still worthy of love and appreciation.

Social Justice Topics: Self-love, embracing differences

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hooks, bell (2004). Skin Again. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: This book is the story of children getting along despite any exterior differences they may have. Throughout the book, the students are told that skin is just a "covering", and that it cannot tell one's story like getting to know someone can.

Qualities: This book, written by legendary activist bell hooks, tells students the importance of getting to know someone, no matter what they may look like or how they may look different from them. The simple illustrations shows a clear contrast in the character's appearances, but they are all still friends.

Social Justice Topics: racial and cultural diversity appreciation, personal identity, friendship

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Britt, Paige (2017). Why Am I Me?. Scholastic, Inc.

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Reading Level: PK-2

Summary: This book tells the story about a boy and a girl, both of different ethnicities, who are both wondering why they are who they are, and wondering about their differences from others on their ride home from school.

Qualities: This book encourages students to think more about their own identities, and how that helps them see the world in differing ways. The colorful and vast illustrations help bring about the sense of wonder about who different people are, and what they bring to the world.

Social Justice Topics: Self-awareness/self-introspection, diversity and differences appreciation, community

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Warga, Jasmine (2019). Other Words for Home. Harper Collins.

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Reading Level: 4-5+

Summary: A young girl, Jude, and her family have recently moved to the United States from Syria, and is adjusting to her new life. Her life both before and after the war in Syria is described, as well as how parts of that life followed her family to their new home country.

Qualities: This book discusses the war in Syria, a topic that may be difficult to approach in the classroom. It opens up discussions about a topic that students may not have heard much about, including immigration/refugees and war in distant countries. This book emphasizes respect and empathy for refugees, which is an important topic to cover as children grow older.

Social Justice Topics: War/displacement awareness, respect for immigrants/refugees, empathy, resilience & bravery, acceptance, familial ties

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Kostecki-Shaw, Jenny Sue (2011). Same, Same but Different. Henry Holt and Co.

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Reading Level: PK-2

Summary: This book tells the story of two boys, Elliot and Kailash, who live in the United States and India respectively. They are pen pals, and through their letters, learn they are very similar in the things they do, enjoy, and have near their homes.

Qualities: This book shows that, even though two people may be far apart and from vastly different countries, they can still share many similarities and connections. Their countries may be very different, but what connects them is their friendship.

Social Justice Topics: Friendship, cultural differences and appreciation

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Meyers, Susan (2001). Everywhere Babies. Harper Collins.

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Reading Level: PK

Summary: This book describes babies in all different scenarios, such as in different seasons, different sizes, different cultures, and different families.

Qualities: This board book celebrates any differences that babies may have, and appreciates the joy that they bring. Through simple illustrations, this book shows many different kinds of babies, through which preschoolers can see differences that they may apply to themselves.

Social Justice Topics: Appreciation of differences, friendship, learning appreciation

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Tyler, Michael (2005). The Skin You Live In. Chicago Children's Museum.

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Reading Level: PK-2

Summary: This book explores different children's activities for children of all cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds, including catching butterflies, eating birthday cake, and swimming in the ocean.

Qualities: This book shows students that no matter what you may look like or where you come from, you can still be a child and participate in the innocence of youth. It shows students that accepting yourself for who you are is the best way to be.

Social Justice Topics: Friendship, self-acceptance/self-esteem, diversity appreciation

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Harris, C.M. (2019). What If We Were All the Same!. Purple Diamond Press Inc.

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: This book details all of the different qualities children may have, and how it brings variety to everyone's lives. It goes into specifics such as hair color and type, skin color, eye color, ability, height, or other factors kids may be able to pick up on.

Qualities: This book, through it's colorful illustrations, showcases several different ways kids may differ from one another, but how this doesn't mean they can't be all be friends and get along.

Social Justice Topics: Diversity appreciation (culture, ethnicity, ability, orientation, etc.), friendship, acceptance

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Ewing, Chana Ginelle (2019). An ABC of Equality. Frances Lincoln Children's Books.

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Reading Level: PK-1

Summary: This book details different social justice topics from the letters A to Z, such as "Ab is for Ability", "B is for Belief", or "C is for Class". It details how all people have the right to be treated fairly and justly in a child-friendly manner.

Qualities: With elaborately decorated letters and simple descriptions, this book explains a wide variety of different aspects of social justice to children. This would be a good companion for learning the alphabet, so it can be adapted to lessons for young students.

Social Justice Topics: Equality and equity, fairness, awareness of marginalized communities, diversity appreciation, celebrating differences, kindness, community

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Newman, Lesléa (2009). Mommy, Mama, and Me. Random House Children's Books.

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Reading Level: PK-2

Summary: Through prose, this book details a young boy spending the day with his two mothers, in activities such as hide-and-seek, bath time, and a kiss goodnight.

Qualities: This book details how a relationship between two women can be just as loving, caring, and tender as between a man and a woman. It shows what a loving family looks like, no matter anyone's gender.

Social Justice Topics: LGBTQ+ awareness & appreciation, familial ties, family diversity

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Beer, Sophie (2018). Love Makes A Family. Penguin Young Readers Group. 

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Reading Level: PK-K

Summary: In this book, several different types of families are shown, including a mom and a dad, two moms, two dads, grandparents and a child, and several other ways families are made up. This book highlights that love between the members is the most important factor in a family, not who the family is made up of.

Qualities: Through simple yet colorful illustrations and short phrases, this book gives several examples of what families may look like to young children, showing them that other families may look different than their own.

Social Justice Topics: Family diversity, LGBTQ+ awareness/appreciation, celebration of differences, familial ties/love

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Asim, Jabari (2010). Girl of Mine. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

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Reading Level: PK-1

Summary: This little girl enjoys playtime with her dad in the moonlight, just before bedtime. As she is cradled in his arms, she is brought on a dream-like adventure, before drifting off to sleep. The text is inspired by the lullaby "Rock-A-Bye Baby".

Qualities: This book is better for younger students who are still taking naps in the classroom, as it encourages falling asleep and dreaming.

Social Justice Topics: There aren't any distinct social justice topics, but the characters are diverse in ethnicity in comparison to other "lullaby" books.

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Phi, Bao (2017). A Different Pond. Capstone Publishers

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Reading Level: 2-4

Summary: This book tells the story of a young boy (the author, Bao) who wakes up early with his father to fish on the shores of a small pond in Minnesota. Bao and his father fish not for recreation, but for food. In between fishing, Bao's father tells him stories about fishing in their home country of Vietnam.

Qualities: This book encourages students to dig deeper into their family culture and ethnicity, and to listen to stories from their parents, and bring those experiences into their own life.

Social Justice Topics: Self-exploration, multi-national appreciation

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Richardson, Justin & Parnell, Peter (2005). And Tango Makes Three. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.

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Reading Level: K-2

Summary: Two male penguins, Roy and Silo, are trying to hatch a rock together, in place of an egg. Because they are both male, they can't make an egg of their own, but their zookeeper provides them with a fertile egg to raise, and when it hatches, they name the chick "Tango".

Qualities: This book shows students that there are many ways to be a family, and that gay couples are just as capable of being loving and caring parents just as any other type of parents.

Social Justice Topics: LGBTQ+ awareness and acceptance, diversity in sexuality, family inclusivity

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De La Peña, Matt (2015). Last Stop on Market Street. Penguin Books.

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: Every Sunday after the church service, CJ and his Nana take the bus to the last stop- the stop on Market Street. CJ wonders why they have to take the bus and why they don't have a car, but his Nana explains their routine, and how to appreciate not only what they have, but the people they meet on the way.

Qualities: This book encourages students to think about what they have in their life and how to find beauty in their own lives, as well as encouraging friendships between all different types of people.

Social Justice Topics: Community building, diverse friendships, diversity in socioeconomic class

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Silverstein, Shel (1964). The Giving Tree. Harper & Row.

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: This book tells the story of a young boy who develops a relationship with the "Giving Tree", and tells the story of their bond throughout the boy's life, eventually ending up as an elderly man.

Qualities: This book tells students how important it is to have a good balance of giving and taking, being sure not to give too much or take too much from someone you love.

Social Justice Topics: Sharing, self-care, self-monitoring

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Keats, Ezra Jack (1968). A Letter to Amy. Harper & Row.

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Reading Level: K-2

Summary: Peter, a young boy, is having a birthday party and invites all of his friends, but makes a special invitation for Amy, who is a special friend because she is a girl. He runs out into a storm to deliver the letter by hand, but ends up running into Amy. She becomes upset and runs off, but ends up attending his party regardless, and becomes friends with everyone.

Qualities: This book reflects on how Peter's emotions and thought processes affect how he interacts with other people, showing students that it's important to be in check with your emotions. It also has the message to be kind to everyone, even if you may hurt them on accident.

Social Justice Topics: Self-regulation, friendship

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Gray, Patrick (2018). The Push: A Story of Friendship. Tyndale House Publishers.

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Reading Level: 3-5

Summary: John is an expert in many things, is good at math, and can make anyone laugh- but was born with arms and legs that didn't work. John gets around in a wheelchair, and his best friend, Marcus is often seen pushing him around. They go on lots of adventures together, and even though they have different abilities, they learn that they are stronger together.

Qualities: This book shows students that differ in level of ability can still be friends and go on the same adventures, displaying how differently abled people interact with the world through the pictures and narrative.

Social Justice Topics: Disability awareness, embracing differences, friendship

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Klassen, Jon (2012). This Is Not My Hat. Candlewick Press.

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Reading Level: PK-2

Summary: A little fish steals a big fish's hat while the big fish is asleep, and thinks he may get away with it. The big fish wakes up and begins to follow him, and eventually follows him into some tall plants, and swims out of the plants wearing his own hat.

Qualities: This book teaches students not to steal or lie through simple illustrations, and encourages honestly.

Social Justice Topics: Honesty, not stealing, interpersonal relationships

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Yamada, Kobi (2014). What Do You Do With an Idea?. Compendium, Incorporated, Publishing & Communications.

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Reading Level: PK-1

Summary: This book tells the story of a young child who finds out he has an idea. He doesn't tell others, but is curious about where it's from, and decides to nurture and feed the idea. One day, the idea bursts into the world, and brings about a great change!

Qualities: This book encourages students to foster their ideas, even if they think its silly, and to never give up on what they want to achieve.

Social Justice Topics: Self-confidence, curiosity, fostering creativity/ideas

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Shannon, David (1998). A Bad Case of Stripes. Scholastic, Inc.

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Reading Level: 2-3

Summary: This book is about an insecure girl named Camilla, who listens to every word her peers say about her. One day, she wakes up with stripes all over her body, and turns into anything anyone of her peers say. When she learns to love who she already is, her stripes go away, and she becomes more confident.

Qualities: This book teaches children to not take the words of their peers, especially if they are teasing words, too seriously, and that the only voice that should truly matter in the say of who they are is their own.

Social Justice Topics: Self-confidence/self-assurance, acceptance

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Young, Ed (1989). Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China. Philomel.

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Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China

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Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China

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Reading Level: 2-4

Summary: This book tells the story of three young girls who are left alone when their mother goes to visit their grandmother, their Po Po. Lon Po Po, a "granny wolf", pretends to be the girls' grandmother, but the girls soon discover the deception. They trick the wolf into chasing ginkgo nuts, and they kill the wolf.

Qualities: This is a fairytale/mythological tale about keeping your wit and using survival skills and team work to accomplish a task. However, there is some violence in this book, and should be read only if the student is prepared.

Social Justice Qualities: Courage, cooperation, sibling-bonds

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Reading Level: 1-4

Summary: A young daughter is going owling with her father, and is searching for a great horned owl. She discovers many things about a winter night, including how it feels, how much is said in silence, and what you can learn from watching and listening.

Qualities: This book teaches children to keep their minds open to adventure and the magic of nature.

Social Justice Topics: Curiosity, familial care

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McDermott, Gerald (1974). Arrow to the Sun: A Pueblo Indian Tale. Viking Press.

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Reading Level: 3-4

Summary: A young woman has a baby boy, who is the son of the Lord of the Sun. The boy goes off to find his father, and an arrow maker recognizes him, turns him into an arrow, and shoots him into the sun so he can meet his father. The Lord puts the boy through many trials to prove he is his sun, including battling lions, serpents, bees, and lightning. The boy beats the trials and is filled with the power of the sun, and is sent back to earth in an arrow with instructions to spread his spirit to the people.

Qualities: This book is the telling of a mythological tale of Pueblo Native American culture, expanding students' views of tale and myths in a way that may not have been exposed to them before.

Social Justice Qualities: Courage, family ties, cultural pride

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Middleton Elya, Susan (2017). La Princesa and the Pea. Penguin Young Readers Group.

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: El príncipe, or the prince, is searching for a wife, but his mother doesn't believe any women is good enough for her son. The queen tests the woman the prince believes is "the one" by having her sleep on several mattresses and puts a pea at the bottom for her to feel throughout the night. At the end, it is revealed the prince put several different items at the bottom of her mattresses as well, and they live happily ever after.

Qualities: This book is the retelling of a classic tale, but with Latin/Peruvian elements in both the illustrations and the language. This would be a good book to read in tandem with more traditional tales to show that not all tales are euro-centric.

Social Justice Topics: Latinx cultural appreciation, honesty

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Keller, Tae (2020). When You Trap a Tiger. Random House.

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Reading Level: 4-5

Summary: Lily and her family move in with her sick grandmother, or Halmoni. Lily discovers that Halmoni took something from the Tigers long ago, and are now looking for it back. She is prompted to make an exchange with the Tigers, but must find her bravery to get her Halmoni's health back.

Qualities: This is a chapter book that is a retelling of a Korean folk tale, which exposes students to Korean culture, as well as offering them something akin to a fantasy story at a more advanced level, as it is meant for upper elementary and early middle school students.

Social Justice Topics: Korean cultural appreciation, bravery, friendship, familial ties

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Mosel, Arlene (1972). The Funny Little Woman. E.P. Dutton, Penguin Young Readers.

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Reading Level: PK-1

Summary: In this folktale, a woman is cooking dumplings when one falls to the ground, and she goes off to chase it. She falls into the Earth when she is greeted by the Gods, who tell her not to venture further, unless she intends to meet the evil "Oni" (creatures). She meets the Oni, and she is tricked into staying and making dumplings for them, but she escapes and returns home with their magic paddle.

Qualities: This is the retelling of a Japanese folk tale, demonstrated with watercolor illustrations. This may expose children to a different variety of cultural folk tales. However, stealing is a theme in the book, which should be accompanied with a discussion about why it is wrong to steal.

Social Justice Topics: Japanese cultural appreciation, bravery, non-violence

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McCloskey, Robert (1957). Time of Wonder. Viking Press.

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Reading Level: PK-2

Summary: This book tells the story of a girl on vacation with her family, who lives every day as a great adventure. She is consistently amazed by the forced of nature, and her time is spent living in the moment.

Qualities: This book encourages students to enjoy their time in nature, as well as inciting a sense of adventure through colorful illustrations. It should be discussed in a way that encourages students to live their lives as an adventure even in their homes, as not all students will be able to go on vacations.

Social Justice Topics: Nature appreciation, sense of adventure, curiosity

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Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

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Luna, Tom (2011). I See The World/Yo veo el mundo. Lectura.

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Reading Level: PK-K

Summary: This is a simple book that explores what is in the world of a child, ranging from forest animals to toys in a playroom. It explores the joy of seeing what is in the world.

Qualities: This is a book with simple contents but much vocabulary in both English and Spanish, and paired with the illustrations can provide much vocabulary introduction for preschoolers or kindergarteners.

Social Justice Topics: Curiosity, world awareness

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Polette, Keith (2008). Paco and the Giant Chile Plant. Raven Tree Press.

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: Paco and his mother live in the desert, and must sell their only cow (vaca) for money. Paco sells the cow for a handful of chile seeds (semillas de chile), and the end up growing into a giant chile plant. Paco climbs it and finds a terrible giant, but when the giant gets chile juice into his eyes, he shrinks down and is revealed to be Paco's father, and they end up together as a family.

Qualities: This book, through elaborate illustrations and dual-language texts, retells the story of Jack and the Beanstalk through the lens of a different culture. The text is in a mix of Spanish and English, which may work nicely for students learning either Spanish or English.

Social Justice Qualities: Hispanic cultural appreciation, familial ties

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Del Monte, Katherine (2011). The Many Faces of Max/Las muchas caras de Max. Lectura Books.

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The Many Faces of Max/Las muchas earas de Max

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The Many Faces of Max/Las muchas earas de Max

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Reading Level: PK-1

Summary: This book tells the story of a dog who shows his emotions clearly; you can see in his different expressions when he is happy, sad, or even silly, but is always loved by his family.

Qualities: This dual-language book shows students that it is okay to express your emotions, and helps them grapple with what they may be experiencing.

Social Justice Qualities: Acceptance of emotions, social-emotional learning, care for others

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Liu, Katrina (2020). Let's Go on a Hike!/我們去遠足吧!. Independently Published.

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Reading Level: PK-2

Summary: Following the hiking day of a biracial white-Chinese family, this book details what fun a day outside can be for any child. The child is having some second thoughts, but then uses his dad's binoculars and discovers a whole world of curiosity outside.

Qualities: This book encourages children to be curious in nature, and to have a sense of adventure. This story depicts a mixed-race family, but has no mention of race or ethnicity, or even gendered pronouns. I feel that aspects of culture would have been a nice touch, but is not a detriment to the book that they are lacking. This book is written in both English and traditional Chinese.

Social Justice Topics: Curiosity, adventure, nature appreciation, familial ties

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Mora, Pat (2005). Gracias/Thanks. Lee & Low Books.

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Reading Level: PK-2

Summary: This book tells the story of a young boy who is showing appreciation for all of the things in his life, including his family, friends, and much more.

Qualities: This book, which is written in both English and Spanish, shows students that it is important to show that you're grateful for the things in your life in a lighthearted and colorful way.

Social Justice Topics: Showing appreciation, kindness, care for others

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Boelts, Maribeth (2007). Those Shoes. Candlewick Press.

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Reading Level: 2-4

Summary: A young boy, Jeremy, really wants a pair of shoes that are popular among the other boys at school, but his Grandma can't afford it, because he still needs snow boots. Jeremy's old shoes break, and he receives a new pair from his guidance counselor, but they are meant for a younger child. He is made fun of by everyone but another boy named Antonio, who has duct tape on his shoes. Jeremy decides to give his shoes to Antonio, because he remembers that he still has his snow boots.

Qualities: Through simple illustrations, the idea of generosity is expressed to children, even in situations where you may not have much. The message of not needing material things to be happy in life is clear, and is shown through familial love.

Social Justice Topics: Generosity, care for others, kindness, economic difference awareness

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Kheiriyeh, Rashin (2018). Saffron Ice Cream. Arthur A. Levine Books.

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: A young Iranian immigrant, Rashin, is excited for her family's new experiences in New York, but can't help but remember her old life back in Iran, especially the saffron ice cream she used to enjoy with her best friend. She comes to realize that there are wonderful things in America too, including new friends!

Qualities: This book, through colorful illustrations and simple prose, tells the story of an Iranian immigrant and shares the culture with students who may not have experienced it before.

Social Justice Topics: Immigration positivity, Iranian cultural appreciation, celebration of differences

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Pilkey, Dav (1996). The Paperboy. Orchard Books.

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: Dav Pilkey’s timeless Caldecott Honor book about a boy, his dog, and the solitude they share before the world wakes up! In the still before dawn, while the rest of the world is sleeping, a boy and his dog leave the comfort of their warm bed to deliver newspapers. As the boy pedals his bike along a route he knows by heart, his dog runs by his side, both enjoying a world that, before sunrise, belongs only to them.

Qualities: This book, through full page colorful illustrations, tells kids a little bit about the world before they wake up, and how different people's routines run.

Social Justice Topics: Curiosity, appreciation

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Iwai, Melissa (2017). Soup Day. Henry Holt and Co.

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Reading Level: PK-1

Summary: Melissa Iwai's Soup Day celebrates the importance of making a nutritious meal and sharing in the process as a family. On a cold, snowy day, a young girl and her mother shop to buy ingredients for vegetable soup. At home, they work together—step by step—to prepare the meal. While the soup is cooking, they spend the time playing games and reading. Before long, Daddy's home and the family sits down to enjoy a home made dinner.

Qualities: This board book celebrates familial cultures and foods by explaining how one family creates their dish, and how they enjoy their time together.

Social Justice Topics: Familial ties/appreciation, cultural appreciation, food positivity

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Reynolds, Peter H. (2018). The Word Collector. Scholastic.

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Reading Level: K-2

Summary: In "The Word Collector", Jerome has a special collection -- words -- and he notes them wherever he finds them. He writes the words down, pastes them in scrapbooks, organizes them by category, pairs them in usual and striking ways, and uses them to write poems and songs. His most powerful words express empathy for others. When he empties his bags of words from a high hill to share his thoughts and feelings with the world, he watches "children in the valley below … scurrying about collecting words from the breeze. Jerome had no words to describe how happy that made him."

Qualities: This book, through colorful illustrations and key vocabulary choice, shows students that they can be empathetic and kind with the words they choose, and spread the kindness with everyone through spreading what they know!

Social Justice Qualities: Kindness, empowerment through learning

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Rylant, Cynthia (1985). The Relatives Came. Simon & Schuster.

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Reading Level: K-2

Summary: In a rainbow-colored station wagon that smelled like a real car, the relatives came. When they arrived, they hugged and hugged from the kitchen to the front room. All summer they tended the garden and ate up all the strawberries and melons. They plucked banjos and strummed guitars. When they finally had to leave, they were sad, but not for long. They all knew they would be together next summer. The relatives come to visit from Virginia and everyone has a wonderful time.

Qualities: This book goes through what this big family is composed of, and how they interact with each other, and may demonstrate that, even though the students' families may look different than the one in the book, that they can still love them just the same.

Social Justice Qualities: Familial ties, appreciation, kindness, sharing

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Noble Maillard, Kevin (2019). Fry Bread. Roaring Brook/Macmillan.

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Reading Level: PK-1

Summary: Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story shows an elder preparing fry bread and a diverse group of kids gathered around her and other grown-ups helping prepare and then enjoying this cultural dish. Accompanying spare text highlights, in just three-to-five-line chunks, what fry bread means to members of that family: Fry bread is food, fry bread is sound ("The skillet clangs on the stove... the bubbles sizzle and pop"), fry bread is color, flavor, time ("Moments together/ With family and friends"), history, place, nation, and more. There's also the author's recipe for fry bread and added details and reflections about the topics in the main body of the text in an Author's Note.

Qualities: This book tells the story of a Native American family and shares some cultural stories and aspects that students may not have heard of before. It focuses on a certain dish that brings a family together, as well as celebrating the larger historical context through tenderness and love.

Social Justice Qualities: Native American cultural appreciation, familial ties

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Fogliano, Julie (2017). When's My Birthday?. Roaring Brook Press.

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Reading Level: PK-3

Summary: In this enthusiastic celebration of all things BIRTHDAY, acclaimed author Julie Fogliano and award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson bring you the perfect birthday book! Join our excited narrator as she lists all the things that will make her birthday the BEST birthday.

Qualities: This simple book celebrates the excitement of celebrating your birthday, and let's children share in the thrill of turning a year older, as well as celebrating the birthdays of those they care about.

Social Justice Qualities: Celebration of life, curiosity

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Johnson, Angela (1990). When I Am Old With You. Scholastic, Inc.

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Reading Level:  PK-1

Summary: A small child imagines a future when he will be old with his Granddaddy and will sit beside him in a rocking chair and talk about everything...The poignant reality that time will never allow these two to coexist at the same age is softened by the fact that they do not have to be the same age in order to share happy times.

Qualities: This book discusses the topic of growing older, and what that means in relation to parents and grandparents, but does so in a way that is kind and approachable to kids.

Social Justice Topics: Age appreciation, familial ties/care, empathy and kindness

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Reynolds, Peter H. (2016). Playing from the Heart. Candlewick Press.

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Reading Level: 3-5

Summary: When a young boy begins to play on his family’s piano, reveling in the fun of plunking the keys, his father signs him up for lessons so that he can learn to play properly. With his father’s encouragement, Raj learns notes, then scales, then songs, and finally classical pieces that his father can recognize and be proud of. But the more Raj practices and the more skilled he becomes, the less he enjoys playing, until he grows up and stops playing altogether. But when his father becomes ill and asks Raj to play for him, will Raj remember how to play from the heart?

Qualities: This book tells the story of how music can impact one's life, and how much it can bring families/communities together.

Social Justice Topics: Music appreciation, familial bonds

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Derby, Sally (2008). No Mush Today. Lee & Low Books.

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Reading Level: PK-2

Summary: Nonie’s had enough! Enough mushy mush for breakfast. Enough of her baby brother’s crying. So off she goes to live at Grandma’s house. No mush or baby there. Grandma attends to Nonie. Grandma takes her out into the world of grown-ups. After a day away from home, will Nonie reconsider her move and return to Momma, Daddy, and baby brother? Maybe . . . maybe . . .if she can make a deal about breakfast!

Qualities: This book is something of a "coming of age" storybook, as the main character struggles with life with a new baby in the house and eating food she doesn't like. She learns that her life isn't so bad after all, and begins to feel grateful for what she has.

Social Justice Topics: Familial appreciation, thankfulness

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Lê, Minh (2018). Drawn Together. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

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Reading Level: PK-1

Summary: Drawn Together by Minh Le is a children’s book about a young boy spending time with his grandfather. They don’t speak the same language, eat the same food, or like the same TV. When the boy pulls out his markers and paper and begins drawing, his grandpa disappears and returns with a sketch book and a paint brush. Their styles are drastically different, but the themes are the same. The boy draws a wizard with a wand and the grandpa draws a warrior with a sword and from there, they set off on creating their own artistic adventure. With very few words, this beautiful story unfolds.

Qualities: This book shows students that even if you may not speak the same language as someone you love, it doesn't mean you can't connect with them. Meaningful moments don't always have to be had verbally.

Social Justice Topics: Language barriers, cultural appreciation, celebrating family ties

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Pinkney, Brian (1994). Max Found Two Sticks. Simon & Schuster.

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: On a day when Max doesn't feel like talking to anyone, a strong breeze shakes two heavy twigs to the ground in front of his brownstone home. Picking them up, the young African-American boy begins to beat out a rhythm that imitates the sound of pigeons startled into flight. Soon he is tapping out the beat of everything around him — rain against the windows, the chiming of church bells, and the thundering sound of a train on its tracks. He responds to questions by drumming on various objects, including a bucket, hat boxes, and garbage cans, echoing the city sounds around him. Max's quiet introspection turns into an exuberant celebration of the world around him.

Qualities: This book discusses different ways of expressing yourself and feeling emotions, and one way happens to be through music and rhythm.

Social Justice Topics: Music appreciation, celebration of life, expression of emotions

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Yousafzai, Malala (2017). Malala's Magic Pencil. Little, Brown and Company.

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Reading Level: PK-3

Summary: As a child in Pakistan, Malala made a wish for a magic pencil that she could use to redraw reality. She would use it for good; to give gifts to her family, to erase the smell from the rubbish dump near her house. (And to sleep an extra hour in the morning.) As she grew older, Malala wished for bigger and bigger things. She saw a world that needed fixing. And even if she never found a magic pencil, Malala realized that she could still work hard every day to make her wishes come true. This beautifully illustrated picture book tells Malala's story, in her own words, for a younger audience and shows them the worldview that allowed her to hold on to hope and to make her voice heard even in the most difficult of times.

Qualities: This book celebrates the life accomplishments of Malala Yousafzai in her own words, and shows kids that determination will make your goals happen, even if they seem impossible.

Social Justice Topics: Determination & bravery, celebration of life, education appreciation

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Herthel, Jessica & Jennings, Jazz (2014). I Am Jazz. Penguin Young Readers Group.

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Reading Level: PK-3

Summary: "I am Jazz" is the true-life story of Jazz Jennings, a child who, in her own words, was born with “a girl's brain and a boy's body.” The picture book follows the gradual acceptance by Jazz's parents and teachers of her transgender reality.

Qualities: This book starts the conversation about different genders with students, and if they had not heard about it previously, introduces the idea of transgender people.

Social Justice Topics: Transgender awareness and appreciation, celebration of life

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Hubbard, Rita Lorraine (2020). The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read. Random House Children's Books.

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The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

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The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

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Reading Level: PK-3

Summary: In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge Mora comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who--with perseverance and dedication--proved that you're never too old to learn.

Qualities: This book tells the story of a type of student children may not have thought about before. It discusses the history of African Americans and their struggles in the United States, and emphasizes the perseverance and devotion to learning that students should strive to have.

Social Justice Topics: Celebration of learning, Civil Rights movement, age appreciation

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Finley Mosca, Julia (2018). The Girl with a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague. The Innovation Press.

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The Girl with a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague

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The Girl with a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague

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Reading Level: 2-4

Summary: Meet Raye Montague—the hidden mastermind who made waves in the U.S. Navy! After touring a German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades. Through it all, the gifted mathematician persisted—finally gaining her well-deserved title in history: a pioneer who changed the course of ship design forever.

Qualities: This book discusses not only the importance of women in STEM, but also the hardships that women of color faced in achieving their dreams. Despite these hardships, this book shows that with bravery and persistence you can accomplish anything.

Social Justice Topics: Determination and bravery, women of color in STEM appreciation, racism awareness

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Sánchez Vegara, Maria Isabel (2021). Little People, Big Dreams: Prince. Frances Lincoln Children's Books.

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Reading Level: PK-2

Summary: From a young age, Prince was obsessed with music. Even though he couldn’t read it, his talent—whether on piano, drums, guitar, or vocals—turned him into an icon. Combining funk, disco, soul, and almost every other genre out there, his songs are some of the best-loved all around the world. Prince knew that he didn’t have to be like anyone else to be a star—and there was no one quite like Prince.

Qualities: This book tells the story of Prince, who broke several barriers in the rock and roll world. This book shows kids that its okay to be different and to break the mold, because you may just become a star because of it!

Social Justice Topics: Celebration of differences, self-appreciation, celebration of music

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Muhammad, Ibtihaj & Ali, S.K. (2019). The Proudest Blue. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 

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Children's Day/El día de los niños Award Winner

Reading Level: PK-3

Summary: Faizah, a young girl, is excited for her first day at school, as well as being excited for her older sister Asiya's first day of wearing a hijab. Her hijab is a beautiful blue, but not everyone thinks its beautiful- and Faizah and Asiya find new ways to be strong in the face of hurtful words.

Qualities: Through colorful illustrations, the beauty of hijabs and sisterly bonds is shown in a way that students may not have experienced before. This book sends the message that even in the face of hatred, you should be proud of who you are, and be brave with the help of others.

Social Justice Qualities: Islamic cultural appreciation/hijab pride, appreciation of differences, sibling bonds, bravery

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Yang, James (2021). A Boy Named Isamu. Viking Press. 

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Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Picture Book Honoree.

Reading Level: PK-2

Summary: This books is the imagining of what a day in the boyhood of Japanese American artist Isamu Noguchi may look like. Some of the activities he partook in included wandering through an outdoor market, walking through the forest, and walking along the ocean- all done through the eyes of an artist.

Qualities: This book dives into cultural appreciation in tandem with art appreciation. Through colorful illustrations and thoughtful phrases, the life of a young artist is shown in a cultural setting students may not have seen before.

Social Justice Topics: Japanese cultural appreciation, art appreciation, adventure/curiosity

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Look, Lenore (2013). Brush of the Gods. Penguin Random House.

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Reading Level: PK-3

Summary: Who wants to learn calligraphy when your brush is meant for so much more? Wu Daozi (689-758), known as China’s greatest painter and alive during the T’ang Dynasty, is the subject of this stunning picture book. When an old monk attempts to teach young Daozi about the ancient art of calligraphy, his brush doesn’t want to cooperate. Instead of characters, Daozi’s brush drips dancing peonies and flying Buddhas! Soon others are admiring his unbelievable creations on walls around the city, and one day his art comes to life!

Qualities: This book shares the story of a renowned Chinese painter who students may have never heard about. This is a book that displays an appreciation for art in a different way than the Western norm, and encourages creativity in any way.

Social Justice Topics: Chinese cultural appreciation, art appreciation, creativity, encouragement of the arts

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Look, Lenore (1999). Love As Strong As Ginger. Publishers Weekly. 

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Reading Level: 1-4

Summary: This account of a girl's loving relationship with her grandmother is dramatized with details as specific as the Taishanese dialect that they speak. From her, Katie learns that good food and dreams of a better future are important enough to work hard for, but that love is a sustaining gift.

Qualities: Through poetic text and subtle illustrations, the love between a girl and her grandmother are clearly shown. There are bits of Taishanese dialect embedded within to encapsulate the authenticity, as well as sensory descriptors of the cultural foods they are making.

Social Justice Topics: Chinese cultural appreciation, familial ties, sharing

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Look, Lenore (2006). Uncle Peter's Amazing Chinese Wedding. Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

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Reading Level: PK-3

Summary: Jenny's favorite uncle, Peter, is getting married, and everyone is happy happy -- everyone, that is, except Jenny. While her family runs about getting ready for the traditional Chinese wedding -- preparing for the tea ceremony, exchanging good-luck money called hungbau, helping the bride with her many dresses -- Jenny is crying on the inside. How is she supposed to still be Uncle Peter's number-one girl, with her new aunt Stella around? She eventually learns to embrace the welcoming of a new family member, and enjoys the rest of the wedding.

Qualities: This book, through colorful illustrations, shows and appreciates Chinese wedding traditions, but also highlights the mischievous nature of a child of any cultural background.

Social Justice Qualities: Chinese cultural appreciation, acceptance/welcoming others, self-growth

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Look, Lenore (2001). Henry's First-Moon Birthday. Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: Jenny's baby brother Henry is having his one-month birthday -- his first-moon, as it's called in Chinese. And even though Jenny's sure he doesn't deserve it -- all Henry does is sleep, eat, and cry -- there's a big celebration planned for him. Together, Jenny and her grandma get everything ready, from dyeing eggs a lucky red to preparing pigs' feet and ginger soup. And someday, when Henry's old enough to appreciate all her hard work, Jenny will tell him how lucky he was to have her in charge.

Qualities: This book, through colorful illustrations and Chinese cultural aspects, shows the work and care that can be put in for your family, even if they are too young to show their appreciation.

Social Justice Topics: Chinese cultural appreciation, familial gratitude/acts of service

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Look, Lenore (2011). Polka Dot Penguin Pottery. Random/Schwartz & Wade.

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Reading Level: PK-3

Summary: Aspen Colorado Kim Chee Lee likes writing stories about monkeys, elephants, and aliens, but these days writing hasn't been much fun. It's like her characters are on vacation. Her pages are blank and she's blocked. Luckily, her grandparents know that a trip to the local paint-your-own-pottery studio is exactly what she needs to feel creative again.

Qualities: This book encourages kids to find their creative spark in whatever way they feel best, and shows that its okay to need help finding that spark again if you're stuck! This book focuses on a young Chinese girl, but any child can have these experiences.

Social Justice Topics: Creativity building, encouragement, curiosity

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Sotomayor, Sonia (2019). Just Ask!. Penguin Random House.

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Reading Level: PK-3

Summary: Feeling different, especially as a kid, can be tough. But in the same way that different types of plants and flowers make a garden more beautiful and enjoyable, different types of people make our world more vibrant and wonderful.

Qualities: This book focuses on the stories of children who face all different sorts of challenges, and how they each bring something special to the table. Students in the book are asking each other about themselves, encouraging children to do the same to get to know the stories of those around them.

Social Justice Topics: Celebration of differences, empathetic curiosity, community growth

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Woodson, Jacqueline (2022). The Year We Learned to Fly. Penguin Young Readers Group.

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: On a dreary, stuck-inside kind of day, a brother and sister heed their grandmother’s advice: “Use those beautiful and brilliant minds of yours. Lift your arms, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and believe in a thing. Somebody somewhere at some point was just as bored you are now.” And before they know it, their imaginations lift them up and out of their boredom. Then, on a day full of quarrels, it’s time for a trip outside their minds again, and they are able to leave their anger behind. This precious skill, their grandmother tells them, harkens back to the days long before they were born, when their ancestors showed the world the strength and resilience of their beautiful and brilliant minds.

Qualities: This book, through magical illustrations and lyrical texts, tells the story of two children who learned to use their imagination when all else didn't seem bright in their world. This shows children that it is okay to bring your imagination into the world.

Social Justice Qualities: Encouragement for using imagination, self-appreciation, cultural pride

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Young, Jessica (2021). I'll Meet You In Your Dreams. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

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Reading Level: PK-1

Summary: This poetic and tender story celebrates the parent-and-child bond in its many forms and offers gentle assurance of love across a lifetime. Two parents' dreams of the future with their children—from early dependence for nourishment and basic needs, to the parent as home base for a child in later life—mirror an always-changing but unbreakable relationship.

Qualities: This book, through dreamlike art and lyrical rhymes, tells a story of parental love as a constant force that will transcend any hardships. This may not be true for all children, so it is important to emphasize that there will always be someone who loves each child, even if it isn't their parent.

Social Justice Topics: Parental love/familial ties, empathy, kindness

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López, Rafael (2006). We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands. Scholastic Press.

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Reading Level: PK-1

Summary: Award-winning illustrator Rafael López brings new life with his adaptation of "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," saluting the lives of all young people. The rhythmic verse and repetitive emphasis on "we" and "our" encourages inclusive communities and the celebration of unity and diverse friendships all around the world.

Qualities: This book celebrates different communities of the world through lyrical texts and puts a twist on a classic song that is not as inclusive.

Social Justice Topics: Community building, celebration of differences, musical appreciation

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Engle, Margarita (2019). Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln.

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Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln

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Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: As a little girl, Teresa Carreño loved to let her hands dance across the beautiful keys of the piano. If she felt sad, music cheered her up, and when she was happy, the piano helped her share that joy. Soon she was writing her own songs and performing in grand cathedrals. Then a revolution in Venezuela forced her family to flee to the United States. Teresa felt lonely in this unfamiliar place, where few of the people she met spoke Spanish. Worst of all, there was fighting in her new home, too—the Civil War. Still, Teresa kept playing, and soon she grew famous as the talented Piano Girl who could play anything from a folk song to a sonata. So famous, in fact, that President Abraham Lincoln wanted her to play at the White House! Yet with the country torn apart by war, could Teresa’s music bring comfort to those who needed it most?

Qualities: This book teaches children that they shouldn't give up on their dreams, even in times of hardship. This book highlights the fact that music can get people through times of trouble, and that it can be something that brings you solace. It also discusses issues about the Civil War that are not commonly covered.

Social Justice Topics: Self-empowerment, Venezuelan cultural pride

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Becker, Bonny (2009). The Magical Ms. Plum. Random House Children's Books.

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Reading Level: 1-4

Summary: Everybody wants to be in Ms. Plum’s class. It’s not just that she teaches the usual things in unusual ways. There’s something more, something about Ms. Plum herself—and her mysterious supply closet. Whenever she asks her students to get her an eraser or a pencil or some paper clips, they come back with something . . . unusual. Who’d have thought a pinky-sized alligator, a big-mouth parrot, or a tiny wolf could teach kids a thing or two about life? Each year, Ms. Plum is certain she’s had her best class ever. And it looks like this year . . . she’s right!

Qualities: This book, through silly illustrations, discuss different personality types in a classroom, as well as an eccentric teacher, which may model the classroom that children may be in. This book may be relatable to students, and make them excited to be in school.

Social Justice Topics: Education appreciation, curiosity, celebration of differences

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DiTerlizzi, Angela (2020). The Magical Yet. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

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Reading Level: PK-3

Summary: A child crashes and damages a new bicycle on a dark, rainy day. Attempting a wheelie, the novice cyclist falls onto the sidewalk, grimacing, and, having internalized this setback as failure, vows to never ride again but to “walk…forever.” Then the unnamed protagonist happens upon a glowing orb in the forest, a “thought rearranger-er”—a luminous pink fairy called the Magical Yet. This Yet reminds the child of past accomplishments and encourages perseverance. The second-person rhyming couplets remind readers that mistakes are part of learning and that with patience and effort, children can achieve.

Qualities: This book helps students embrace a healthy growth mindset, as the "Yet" encourages children to not give up even when something is hard. Through bright illustrations and simple texts, it is a simple encouraging message and a good conversations starter. This book shows many different types of students from many different backgrounds and experiences, showing that all students should be encouraged.

Social Justice Topics: Growth mindset/self-growth, celebration of diversity, perseverance, bravery

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Sendak, Maurice (1963). Where the Wild Things Are. Harper & Row.

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: Max is being naughty. His mother calls him a “wild thing,” and, when he is cheeky to her, she sends him to bed without his dinner. Dressed in pajamas that make him look rather like a wolf, Max feels very cross up in his room and either dreams or imagines that his bedroom turns into a jungle. When a boat appears, Max sails to the land of the wild things, where he finds huge, multicolored monsters with big claws and teeth. Not frightened of anything, Max tames the wild things, who agree that he is the wildest of them all, and make him their king. Max calls for a “wild rumpus” he and the wild things dance in the moonlight, hang from the trees and have a fantastic (if rather unruly) time until Max realizes that he misses home. Although the wild things beg him to stay, Max returns to his bedroom, where his dinner is waiting for him – and is still hot.

Qualities: This classic book explores the anger of a child, and while the results of this anger end up being a fantasy adventure, it ends up being to a detriment of the child. Max is allowed to express himself fully, and realizes what he needs to do, showing students that it is okay to make mistakes and learn what you need to do from them.

Social Justice Topics: Emotional expression, self-growth, adventure, gratitude

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Hatke, Ben (2014). Julia's House for Lost Creatures. First Second.

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: When Julia and her walking house come to town, she likes everything about her new neighborhood except how quiet it is! So Julia puts a sign up: "Julia's House for Lost Creatures." Soon she's hosting goblins, mermaids, fairies, and even a dragon. Quiet isn't a problem anymore for Julia...but getting her housemates to behave themselves is!

Qualities: This book encourages curiosity and kindness towards all things through silly and immersive illustrations

Social Justice Topics: Kindness and empathy towards all, curiosity

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Santat, Dan (2014). The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

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The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend

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The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: An adorable, white, doughy-looking imaginary friend is born on a fantasy island among all the other imaginary friends who are "waiting to be imagined by a real child." But when he sees others chosen and he's still left behind, he worries that he'll never be picked and "given a special name." So he sets off on a journey across the sea to find his perfect friend, landing in a place that looks a lot like New York City. He finds the city and its people gray and dreary and is just about to give up when he comes upon a colorful playground where he recognizes other imaginary friends with their humans. There he meets shy, artistic Alice, who's imagined him in a picture she's drawn -- and she names him Beekle.

Qualities: This book shows children that it is okay that you aren't "chosen" right away by someone, and that the right person (friend) is around the corner. Each person is treasured and deserved to be so.

Social Justice Topics: Sense of adventure, friendship, easing worries

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Hare, John (2019). Field Trip to the Moon. Margaret Ferguson Books.

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: Once their bright yellow ship lands, students debark and set out with their teacher to explore. They jump over trenches and see craters and mountains on the moon’s surface and even Earth in the faraway distance. But when one student takes a break to draw some pictures and falls asleep, they wake up to discover that the rest of the class and the spaceship are gone. How the student passes the time waiting to be rescued makes for a funny and unexpected adventure that will enchant children all over the galaxy.

Qualities: While wordless, the illustrations of this book are captivating to children about an adventure in space. This book would work best as a companion piece to another book with more literacy content, but works nicely as a supplement for students who are still developing their literacy to flip through.

Social Justice Topics: Sense of adventure, curiosity, exploration

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McNulty, Faith (2005). If You Decide to Go to the Moon. Scholastic, Inc.

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: Kids can join a young boy on a fascinating excursion to the moon. After blastoff they'll learn plenty of facts about space travel and what the journey might be like: the loneliness, the lack of gravity, and ways to pass the time. This book will encourage their fascination with the moon, Earth, and everything in between.

Qualities: This book encourages students to think deeper about what's on their Earth, and what that means for the future of it.

Social Justice Topics: Curiosity, Earth appreciation/protection

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Dyckman, Ame (2012). Boy + Boy. Random House Children's Books.

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Reading Level: PK-1

Summary: One day, a boy and a robot meet in the woods. They play. They have fun. But when Bot gets switched off, Boy thinks he's sick. The usual remedies - applesauce, reading a story - don't help, so Boy tucks the sick Bot in, then falls asleep. And when Bot powers on, he finds his friend powered off and begins to worry. He takes Boy home with him and tries all of his usual remedies: oil, reading an instruction manual. Nothing revives the malfunctioning Boy! Can the Inventor help fix him?

Qualities: This endearing book tells the story of a boy who befriends a robot, and how they care for each other in the ways that they know best. This tale shows children that caring for each other is important, even if its not entirely the right way.

Social Justice Qualities: Friendship, caring/empathy

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McNamara, Margaret (2011). The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot. Random House Children's Books.

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The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot

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The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot

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Reading Level: 2-3

Summary: The three little aliens are happily settling into their new homes when the Big Bad Robot flies in to crack and smack and whack their houses down! It ends in a chase across the solar system!

Qualities: This book is a twist on the tale Three Little Pigs, and is adds a scientific lens to the classic story, teaching children about the solar system.

Social Justice Qualities: Sense of adventure

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Ahmed, Roda (2018). Mae Among the Stars. HarperCollins Publishers.

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: Inspired by the life of the first African American woman to travel in space, Mae Jemison. When Little Mae was a child, she dreamed of dancing in space. She imagined herself surrounded by billions of stars, floating, gliding, and discovering. She wanted to be an astronaut. Her mom told her, "If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible.” Little Mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents' encouraging words, paved the way for her success at NASA as the first African American woman to travel in space.

Qualities: This book shows students that following your dreams may end up making history, and that keeping up determination can lead to great things!

Social Justice Topics: Determination, celebration of women of color in STEM, space education

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Look, Lenore (2014). Alvin Ho: Allergic to the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace, and Other Tourist Attractions. Penguin Random House.

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Alvin Ho: Allergic to the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace, and Other Tourist Attractions

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Alvin Ho: Allergic to the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace, and Other Tourist Attractions

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Reading Level: 1-3

Summary: Alvin, an Asian American second grader who’s afraid of everything, is taking his fears to a whole new level—or should we say, continent. On a trip to introduce brand-new baby Ho to relatives in China, Alvin’s anxiety is at fever pitch. First there’s the harrowing 16-hour plane ride; then there’s a whole slew of cultural differences to contend with: eating lunch food for breakfast, kung fu lessons, and acupuncture treatment (yikes!). Not to mention the crowds that make it easy for a small boy to get lost.

Qualities: This book shows Alvin, an anxious second grader, in a whole new continent, as his family is visiting China. This book shows readers that there are whole new adventures in different countries, and that there is nothing to be afraid of in adventure!

Social Justice Topics: Chinese cultural appreciation, adventure, overcoming anxiety

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Look, Lenore (2013). Alvin Ho: Allergic To Babies, Burglars, and Other Bumps in the Night. Penguin Random House.

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Alvin Ho: Allergic to Babies, Burglars, and Other Bumps in the Night

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Alvin Ho: Allergic to Babies, Burglars, and Other Bumps in the Night

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Reading Level: 1-3

Summary: Alvin, an Asian American second grader who’s afraid of everything, has started to notice his mother getting bigger . . . and bigger. Alvin’s sure it’s all the mochi cakes she’s been eating, but it turns out she’s pregnant! There are lots of scary things about babies, as everybody knows. There’s learning CPR for the newborn and changing diapers (no way). But the scariest thing of all is the fact that the baby could be a GIRL. As a result of the stress, Alvin puts on a few pounds and—in one hilarious misunderstanding—worries that he might actually be pregnant, too!

Qualities: This book discusses the fears of having a new baby in the household, diving into what the older sibling may be feeling.

Social Justice Topics: Family care, overcoming anxiety

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Look, Lenore (2010). Alvin Ho: Allergic to Dead Bodies, Funerals, and Other Fatal Circumstances. Penguin Random House.

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Alvin Ho: Allergic to Dead Bodies, Funerals, and Other Fatal Circumstances

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Alvin Ho: Allergic to Dead Bodies, Funerals, and Other Fatal Circumstances

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Reading Level: 1-3

Summary: Let's face it, when it comes to death, everything is scary. Especially if your name is Alvin Ho and you maybe, sort of, agreed to go to a funeral for your Gunggung's best friend (who was your friend too). Alvin's all freaked out and here's why: 1. He starts seeing bad omens...everywhere. 2. People are telling him creepy things, like how a dead body cools one degree a minute until it reaches room temperature. 3. The dead body might wake up, like in the movies! 4. He has to dress for the funeral (including clean underwear!). 5. He has to be brave. He has to look death smack in the eye. But being brave is hard. What if Alvin's not ready to say goodbye to someone he loves?

Qualities: This book discusses death in a classic "Alvin Ho" way, in which he envisions everything going wrong with his grandpa's friends funeral. It discusses being brave when facing the death of someone you loved, and how to cope with it, even if you're scared.

Social Justice Topics: Dealing with death, coping with anxiety, compassion

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Look, Lenore (2010). Alvin Ho: Allergic to Birthday Parties, Science Projects, and Other Man-Made Catastrophes. Penguin Random House.

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Alvin Ho: Allergic to Birthday Parties, Science Projects, and Other Man-Made Catastrophes

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Alvin Ho: Allergic to Birthday Parties, Science Projects, and Other Man-Made Catastrophes

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Reading Level: 1-3

Summary: Alvin Ho, an Asian American second grader, is afraid of everything. For example, what could possibly be so scary about a birthday party? Let Alvin explain: You might be dressed for bowling . . . but everyone else is dressed for swimming. You could get mistaken for the piñata. You could eat too much cake. You could throw up. So when Alvin receives an invitation to a party—a girl’s party—how will he ever survive?

Qualities: This book deals with social anxiety about having to attend a classmate's birthday party, and how overcoming it can lead to having a good time with friends.

Social Justice Topics: Overcoming anxiety, making friendships

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Look, Lenore (2009). Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters. Penguin Random House.

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Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters

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Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters

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Reading Level: 1-3

Summary: Alvin, an Asian American second grader who’s afraid of everything, is back, and his worst fear has come true: he has to go camping. What will he do exposed in the wilderness with bears and darkness and . . . pit toilets? Luckily, he’s got his night-vision goggles and water purifying tablets and super-duper heavy-duty flashlight to keep him safe. And he’s got his dad, too.

Qualities: This book deals with the anxieties of being in a new setting and being exposed to things you have never seen before, and how having some familiar aspects with you make things seem better.

Social Justice Topics: Coping with anxiety, appreciation of nature

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Janeczko, Paul B. (2014). Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems. Candlewick Press.

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Firefly July: A Year Of Very Short Poems

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Firefly July: A Year Of Very Short Poems

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Reading Level: 1-4

Summary: Never more than six or seven lines long—and some are just a few words—each poem in Janeczko’s (A Foot in the Mouth) spirited anthology celebrates an aspect of the seasons.

Qualities: As the poems are accessible for young children, they make good prompts for poetry exercises. The illustrations are  done differently as according to the poem, some loopy, some geometric, but all corresponding.

Social Justice Topics: Nature appreciation

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Bruchac, Joseph (1995). The Earth Under Sky Bear's Feet: Native American Poems of the Land. Random House.

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Reading Level: PK-3

Summary: Native American elders will tell you there is as much to see in the night as in the familiar light of day, and here Abenaki storyteller and American Book Award recipient Joseph Bruchac offers twelve unforgettable stories of the living earth seen from the sky.

Qualities: This book digs into Native American cultures through poetry, and allows students to learn a little bit about the views of Native people about the land they live on.

Social Justice Topics: Native American cultural appreciation, Earth appreciation

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Caswell, Deanna (2016). Guess Who, Haiku. ABRAMS.

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Reading Level: PK-1

Summary: Guess Who, Haiku is a unique poetic guessing game illustrated by bestselling and beloved artist Bob Shea. Author Deanna Caswell’s playful take on the inventive Japanese form of poetry offers clues about the creatures hiding on every page in this creative and clever picture book of charmingly illustrated poems for the very young. As readers meet a cow, a bee, a horse, a bird, a frog, a fish, a mouse, a cat, and a dog, they will be delighted to learn that they are the subject of the final poem.

Qualities: This book may serve as a good introduction to poetry for very young students, as the simple riddle-haikus are easy to comprehend, and engages the students directly.

Social Justice Topics: Student engagement, animal appreciation

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Schaub, Michelle (2017). Fresh-Picked Poetry: A Day at the Farmers' Market. Charlesbridge.

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Fresh-Picked Poetry: A Day at the Farmers' Market

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Fresh-Picked Poetry: A Day at the Farmers' Market

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Reading Level: PK-3

Summary: Spend a day at the farmers' market with food, fun, and a fresh harvest. Through eighteen lively poems, follow the adventures of two new friends and their canine companions as they discover how much there is to love at the market.

Qualities: Through poetry, the farmer's market is praised, which shows children that it is a a great place to get good and healthy foods, as well as make some new memories.

Social Justice Topics: Community appreciation

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Silverstein, Shel (1974). Where the Sidewalk Ends. Harper & Row.

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Reading Level: 3-5+

Summary: Where the Sidewalk Ends' is a three-stanza poem that depicts the adult world as something harsh and demanding, in contrast to a more childlike mentality that can provide a break from the responsibilities and pressures of being an adult.

Qualities: This book is a classic introduction to poetry, and can be taught to upper elementary students to analyze further as to what Silverstein may have been meaning with his poems and drawings.

Social Justice Topics: Curiosity, building relationships

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Levine, Ellen (2007). Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad. Scholastic Press.

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Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad.

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Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad.

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Reading Level: 3-5

Summary: This is a gripping story of Henry Brown, who is unaware of his age. He is a slave who dreams of freedom. He hopes to celebrate his birthday once he seeks freedom breaking the shackles of slavery. He grows up in a warehouse away from his family. After he is married, things get worse as his family is sold at the slave market. One fine day, he decides the break the chain of slavery by mailing himself north in a crate. He finally celebrates his birthday the day he seeks freedom.

Qualities: This book discusses the issue of slavery in the US in a harrowing way, but still in a child friendly manner. It is an important discussion to have, and this book does a good job of presenting it in an age appropriate manner.

Social Justice Topics: Slavery awareness/education, injustice awareness

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Wiviott, Meg (2010). Benno and the Night of Broken Glass. Lerner Publishing Group.

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Reading Level: 2-5

Summary: In 1938 Berlin, Germany, a cat sees Rosenstrasse change from a peaceful neighborhood of Jews and Gentiles to an unfriendly place where, one November night, men in brown shirts destroy Jewish-owned businesses and arrest or kill Jewish people.

Qualities: This book introduces Kristallnacht, the beginning of the Holocaust, in a child friendly manner. This book opens the discussion about the Holocaust in a gentle way.

Social Justice Topics: Holocaust awareness

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Woodruff, Elvira (1998). The Memory Coat. Scholastic Press.

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: This moving story of a Jewish family's immigration to American from Russia may be jeopardized by a young cousin's bond with a worn-out coat.

At the turn-of-the century, a Jewish family must leave Russia when the Cossacks raid the country. Grandma Bubba tries to convince Grisha, her grandson, to leave behind an old coat that might prevent him from being accepted at Ellis Island upon the family's arrival in America. Grisha refuses since the coat is lined with wool from the coat of his deceased mother. The family begins their transatlantic journey, but when they arrive at Ellis Island, Grisha is threatened with deportation until his cousin Rachel comes up with a plan to save him.

Qualities: A historically accurate depiction of past events, this book serves as a good introduction to European immigration for young learners.

Social Justice Topics: Jewish cultural appreciation, European immigration awareness, caring for others, kindness, bravery

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Trottier, Maxine (2006). Mr. Hiroshi's Garden. Fitzhenry & Whiteside.

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: While visiting her grandmother for the summer in Vancouver, Mary, a young girl from the prairies, befriends her neighbor Mr. Hiroshi, and helps him with his garden. When Mr. Hiroshi is interned because of his Japanese ancestry, Mary promises to take care of his garden.

Qualities: This book gently introduces Japanese internment camps, and shows kindness in a setting of fear and suspicion.

Social Justice Topics: Japanese internment camp awareness

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Birtha, Becky (2010). Lucky Beans. Albert Whitman & Co.

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Reading Level: 2-4

Summary: Marshall is sick of the beans his African-American family often eats during the Great Depression. But beans turn out to be lucky. With help from his mother and his schoolteacher, Marshall figures out how many beans are in a huge jar in the furniture store window, and the family wins a sewing machine.

Qualities: This book introduces the Great Depression, and how it impacted families. This book shows that even in times of hardship, there is hope to be found.

Social Justice Topics: Great Depression awareness, community building, sharing, empathy

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Oliveros, Jessie (2018). The Remember Balloons. Simon & Schuster. 

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Schneider Family Award Honor Book.

Reading Level: K-3

Summary: James' Grandpa has the best balloons, because he has the best memories. When Grandpa's memory balloons begin to float away, James is heartbroken and runs to catch each one. When all of Grandpa's balloons have floated away, James takes the job of sharing the balloons with his Grandpa, one by one.

Qualities: This book, through simple illustrations and child friendly language, presents Alzheimer's/memory loss to young students in a way that is palatable to their understanding.

Social Justice Topics: Alzheimer's/memory loss awareness; mental health awareness, familial ties

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Dane Bauer, Marion (2018). The Stuff of Stars. Candlewick Press. 

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Coretta Scott King Book Award Winner.

Reading Level: PK-3

Summary: This book takes the reader on a journey of how the universe was created, and therefore our solar system, Earth, and themselves! From the first fraction of a second of the Big Bang to the birth of the reader, the book illustrates how everything got to be the way it is.

Qualities: This book helps students explore questions they may have about the universe/our world, and combines science and literature through elaborate illustrations and poetic texts.

Social Justice Qualities: Science exploration, self-importance, curiosity

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Tonatiuh, Duncan (2014). Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation. Abrams Books for Young Readers. 

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Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation

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Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation

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Carter G. Woodson Book Award.

Reading Level: 1-4

Summary: This nonfiction book tells the story of Sylvia Mendez and her parents, who helped end school segregation in California. Despite knowing perfect English, Sylvia and her family were denied enrollment to a "white only" school. Her parents took action by organizing the Hispanic community and filed a successful lawsuit, and eventually brought an end to the era of segregated education in California.

Qualities: Through a unique illustration style of informational text, this book accurately tells the story of Sylvia Mendez and her family, and the hard fight they had to endure. This book both teaches students history and literature and shows kids that they should fight for what they believe in.

Social Justice Qualities: Racial equality, Hispanic cultural appreciation, celebration of differences, Hispanic civil rights movement, activism

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Austrian, J.J. (2016). Worm Loves Worm. Balzer & Bray.

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Reading Level: PK-3

Summary: Worm and Worm are in love and want to get married. All of their invertebrate friends are good with that, as long as the couple has a traditional wedding with all the trimmings: a cake, attendants, dancing, rings, and an officiant (a suitably officious cricket). The worms are slightly dazed but grateful for their friends’ enthusiasm, and they even realize that, lacking fingers, they can wear the rings as belts. Then their friends make one more demand: there can only be one bride and one groom: that’s “how it’s always been done.” And that’s when the worms show they have a spine. “We can be both,” they insist, mixing and matching veils, tuxes, dresses, and top hats. “We’ll just change how it’s done.”

Qualities: This book introduces the idea of gay marriage to young students, and explores how a marriage may look different for different couples.

Social Justice Topics: LGBTQ+ awareness/appreciation, celebration of differences

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Pitman, Gayle E. (2014). This Day in June. Magination Press.

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Reading Level: PK-1

Summary: This day in June.... Parade starts soon.... Rainbow arches.... Joyful marches! In a wildly whimsical, validating, and exuberant reflection of the LGBT community, This Day In June welcomes readers to experience a pride celebration and share in a day when we are all united.

Qualities: This book introduces the idea of Pride month to young children, as well as LGBTQ+ history and culture. It includes a note to parents and caregivers about how to talk to their children about sexual orientation and gender identity in an age appropriate way, which is something that may be daunting to parents.

Social Justice Topics: LGBTQ+ awareness/appreciation, Pride month history, acceptance, celebration of differences

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Celano, Marianne; Collins, Marietta; & Hazzard, Ann (2018). Something Happened in Our Town: A Child's Story about Racial Injustice. Magination Press.

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Something Happened in our Town: A Child's Story about Racial Injustice

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Something Happened in our Town: A Child's Story about Racial Injustice

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Reading Level: K-3

Summary: Emma and Josh heard that something happened in their town. A Black man was shot by the police. "Why did the police shoot that man?" "Can police go to jail?" Something Happened in Our Town follows two families — one White, one Black — as they discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community. The story aims to answer children's questions about such traumatic events, and to help children identify and counter racial injustice in their own lives.

Qualities: This book discusses how to cover the issue of racial injustice in the police force with children, and how to cover it in way that applies to their own lives.

Social Justice Topics: Racial inequality, police brutality

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Hoffman, Sarah & Ian (2014). Jacob's New Dress. Whitman, Albert & Company.

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Reading Level: PK-3

Summary: Jacob loves playing dress-up, when he can be anything he wants to be. Some kids at school say he can’t wear “girl” clothes, but Jacob wants to wear a dress to school. Can he convince his parents to let him wear what he wants? This heartwarming story speaks to the unique challenges faced by boys who don’t identify with traditional gender roles.

Qualities: This book discusses gender identity and expression in a child friendly manner, speaking to children who may not identify with traditional gender roles.

Social Justice Topics: LGBTQ+ awareness/appreciation, gender expression, gender binary/roles

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Winter, Jeanette (2009). Nasreen's Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan. Simon & Schuster.

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Nasreen's Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan

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Nasreen's Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan

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Reading Level: 2-5

Summary: Young Nasreen has not spoken a word to anyone since her parents were taken by the Taliban. In despair, her grandmother risks everything to enroll Nasreen in a secret school for girls. Will a devoted teacher, a new friend, and the worlds she discovers in books be enough to draw Nasreen out of her shell of sadness?

Qualities: This book discusses the war in Afghanistan and the lives of people affected by it in a way that is child friendly, allowing the discussion of empathy and care to be opened up.

Social Justice Topics: Afghanistan War awareness, empathy, bravery