Social Justice, awareness, and books by black authors
multicultural and social justice books
Here are more than 60 books of multicultural and social justice books for children, young adults, and educators.
Arcade and the Triple T Token, is book 1 of the The Coin Slot Chronicles. Eleven-year-old Arcade Livingston has a problem. Several, actually. The Tolley twins, a.k.a. neighborhood bullies, are making Arcade’s move to a new city even harder than it needs to be. They expect him to do their research papers and interactive displays for the sixth-grade career expo’s theme: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Besides doing their work, Arcade doesn’t even know his own answer to that question.
Written and designed for reluctant readers, with shorter chapters and meaningful illustrations. Throughout the book, Aracde teaches children ages 8 and up:
How to deal with tough question of “Where will you go next?”
How to accept oneself while facing tween/teen issues
About fitness, faith, and friendship
Book 2: Arcade and the Golden Travel Guide
The fatal police shootings of black men in the recent past bring to focus yet again the chain of stigma, shame and silence that engulfs many lives, and entire communities and neighborhoods. A new illustrated comic book that is now helping heal the wounds and show the way forward is "Rest in Peace RaShawn Reloaded" authored by Ronnie Sidney, II, LCSW. "Rest in Peace RaShawn Reloaded" tells the graphic story of a black teenager shot and killed by a police officer who mistakes his airsoft toy gun for real. This narrative is all too common in America, and the novel brings home the fact that a young, innocent life was snuffed out too soon. Ronnie presents the violence and suffering in a sensitive, easy-to-understand and age-appropriate format for kids. This book is a good way to broach the painful but necessary conversations families across the nation are having with their children, and provides thoughtful discussion points on how to heal the legacy of distrust between African- American communities and the police who are supposed to protect them. To deal with police brutality towards black teens and adults requires building higher level of social awareness, as well as telling youngsters how to understand and behave safely and reasonably in such situations.
Nelson used to think school was all about playing around and talking with his friends. When Nelson learns that he has been placed in Special Education, he fears being teased. Consequently, he keeps his learning disability and ADHD diagnosis a secret. With the encouragement of his parents and assistance from Mrs. T., his Special Education teacher, Nelson pushes the boundaries and discovers his potential. ”Nelson Beats The Odds” is an inspiring story that celebrates friendship, resilience and empowerment. The striking illustrations give life to ”Nelson Beats The Odds”, while the author’s story is perfect for students diagnosed with learning disabilities or mental health disorders.
When you’re the new girl in school it can be a little scary. It’s even tougher when your parents aren’t there to help. Some of the kids might be friendly but what about that mean girl who’s always picking on you? The author brings up the subjects of childhood trauma, parental substance abuse, kinship care and bullying with a gentle touch suitable for even the youngest children. Tameka’s New Dress shines a light on these tough things and lays them out on the table to talk about. He also presents us with a strong girl in Tameka, who not only finds adults who can and do support her, but also finds a way to confront her bullies without becoming a bully herself. Real tips for real life situations are presented here – just what real little children need - a great addition to the library shelves.
Justyce McAllister is a good kid, an honor student, and always there to help a friend—but none of that matters to the police officer who just put him in handcuffs. Despite leaving his rough neighborhood behind, he can't escape the scorn of his former peers or the ridicule of his new classmates. Justyce looks to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for answers. But do they hold up anymore? He starts a journal to Dr. King to find out. Then comes the day Justyce goes driving with his best friend, Manny, windows rolled down, music turned up—way up, sparking the fury of a white off-duty cop beside them. Words fly. Shots are fired. Justyce and Manny are caught in the crosshairs. In the media fallout, it's Justyce who is under attack.
Book 2: Dear Justyce will be released on September 29, 2020