By Deidre Havrelock Illustrated by Aphelandra 4 stars A beautiful picture book that tells the story of Carol Powder, her music, and her activism. The book goes through Powder’s childhood singing with her family, her great-grandfather making her a drum of her own and teaching her its songs, creating her own drumming group, Chubby Cree,…
Read More
by Franck Prévot Illustrated by Aurélia Fronty Translated by Dominique Clément 5 stars Originally published in French, this wonderful picture book biography celebrates the life of Wangari Maathai and her impact on the world. The book follows Maathai’s childhood in Kenya, her atypical education, founding the Green Belt Movement, and her activism to promote environmentalism,…
Read More
Illustrated by Kitt Thomas 5 stars Another powerful story from Abrams. After witnessing a classmate have to give his tray back when he can’t pay for lunch at school, Stacey decides to do something about it with the help of her friends and family. Even though public speaking makes Stacey uncomfortable, she knows using her…
Read More
Illustrated by Juana Medina 4 stars An adorable rhyming story providing a kid-friendly introduction to the history of Pride and its continued relevance today. Loved the themes of family, acceptance, standing up to injustice, and being yourself. Adorable pictures. The rhymes are a little clunky in areas, but overall this was such a sweet read….
Read More
Illustrated by Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya 4 stars A powerful, beautiful celebration of resilience and identity told through fierce verse and stunning illustrations. The book draws parallels between different culture’s histories, struggles, and treatment while still recognizing the distinctness and diversity of different groups. Gorgeous illustrations that pair wonderfully with each verse. Beautiful color and a wonderful…
Read More
Illustrated by Harry Woodgate 4 stars A great concept for a book. This collection of poems highlights various LGBTQ+ heroes throughout American history. Paired with each poem is a short biography with some of the major events in the person’s life and gorgeous illustrations from Woodgate centering joy and community. This is a nice resource…
Read More
by Coretta Scott King with the Reverend Dr. Barbara Reynolds Adapted by Julia Sooy Illustrated by Ekua Holmes 5 stars A powerful adaptation of King’s memoir in a format suitable for young readers. I love to see so many more books focusing on the life and work of Coretta Scott King. The book covers King’s…
Read More
Illustrated by Dave Henderson 4 stars While this one didn’t really have a mystery to it, I really enjoyed this Ghostwriter adventure. When a new principal takes over, the students at Hurston Middle School are surprised to learn a dress code is being implemented. Lenni does not agree with the vague guidelines and she and…
Read More
Illustrated by David Roberts 4 stars I love that this series has expanded from STEM fields to activism. This was a powerful read about one girl’s passion to help others, even if it means doing things that scare her. The most realistic of the Questioneers picture books so far, this one focuses on Sofia’s efforts…
Read More
by Rob Sanders Illustrated by Jamey Christoph 4 stars A beautiful book that depicts the remarkable story of the AIDS Memorial Quilt through lyrical text and wonderful illustrations. In this narrative nonfiction picture book, Sanders tells some of the major events in Cleve Jones’ life alongside the development of AIDS in America. Interspersed throughout the…
Read More