Written & Illustrated by: See Individual Reviews Below For ages: Elementary & MG Language: English Topics Covered: Historical Figures Women in STEM Activism Environmental Activism Trailblazers Since the end of this…eventful…year is upon us, I decided to make a roundup of some of my favorite books that came out this year in the STEM/Environmental category for…
Category: Historical Figures
Sewing the Rainbow
Written By: Gayle E. Pitman Illustrated by: Holly Clifton-Brown For Ages: 5 and up (mention of military and illustrations of guns) Language: English Topics Covered: LGBTQ History, Pacifism, Pride Flag, Historical Figure. Summary: This story tells the life of Gilbert Baker, the man who sewed the first rainbow Pride flag for the LGBTQ community. For…
Lift as You Climb: The Story of Ella Baker
Written By: Patricia Hruby Powell Illustrated by: R. Gregory Christie For Ages: 8-12 years Language: English Topics Covered: Black Culture & Identity, Activism, History, Historical Figures, Modern Black Freedom Struggle, Voting, Community Organizing, Women in Leadership, Civil Rights. Summary: This week for #sweetsandsocialjustice I’m really excited to have a book aimed at older readers about…
speak up
english 4 – 8 years historical figures self-confidence friendship, advocacy empowerment social-emotional learning miranda paul and ebony glenn summary: Happy Saturday! As you know, it’s time for #sweetsandsocialjustice and this week is a picture book all about how and when to speak up! This newly released book is illustrated by one of our favorites, Ebony…
Be Amazing: A History of Pride [released 7/21]
Written By: Desmond is Amazing Illustrated by: Dylan Glynn For Ages: 3-8 years Language: English Topics Covered: LGBTQ History, Drag, Own Voices, Historical Figures, Trans History, Acceptance, Self-Esteem. Summary: Ya’ll. This. Book. I have been SO excited for this book to be release and it’s almost here!! Many of you are probably familiar with Desmond…
We the People [released July 1]
Written By: Evan Sargent Illustrated by: Aura Lewis For Ages: YA Middle grades and up Language: English Topics Covered: Activism, Politics, American History, Constitution, Call to Action. Summary: I don’t think anyone could argue with the fact that right now, we are in a time of great (and in my opinion, long overdue) social change….
Rise! From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou
Written by: Bethany Hegedus, forward by Colin Johnson Illustrated by: Tonya Engel For ages: 7-10 years Language: English Topics Covered: POC-Centric Narratives, Historical Figure, Writer, Activism, Activist. Summary: This is an incredible and lyrical retelling of Maya Angelou’s life, I was hooked instantly upon opening the book. The poetic words take the reader through the life of Maya from a young…
Amazing Athletes: 40 Inspiring Icons
Written By: Jean-Michel Billioud Illustrated by: Gonoh For Ages: 7 years and up Language: English Topics Covered: Sports, Feminism, History, Activism, Indigenous Voices, Global Community, Paralympics, Olympics. Summary: This is another book in the same series of another book I shared a couple of weeks ago, Black Music Greats. You know I’m a sucker for…
The Girl Who Named Pluto: The Story of Venetia Burney
Written by: Alice B. McGinty Illustrated by: Elizabeth Haidle For ages: 4 years and up Language: English Topics Covered: STEM, Space, Women in Science, Family, Historic Events, Historical Figures, Astronomy. Summary: Venetia is a young girl who lives in Britain with her mother and grandfather. She is fascinated by space and the planets, memorizing facts about them and asking all…
Soldier for Equality: José de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War
Written & Illustrated by: Duncan Tonatiuh For ages: 7-11 years Language: English & Spanish Topics Covered: Historical Events, Latinx, Mexican-American Culture, Historical Figure, POC-Centric Narratives, WWI, Activism, Activist, Own Voices. Summary: Luz was born in America, but his family was of Mexican descent. He is teased for it, and sometimes gets in fights. When Luz grows up he becomes a teacher…