Climate change remains a central theme in social justice series, but rather than fueling climate anxiety, these books highlight the damage caused by human activity while focusing on positive actions being taken to fight it. “Living in America” (The Creative Company) critically examines the nation’s flaws without the heavy rhetoric students will encounter online. “Disability Pride” (Rosen/PowerKids) celebrates the advocacy efforts that have advanced the rights of Americans with disabilities. “Immigrants Build America” (ReferencePoint) offers an enlightening exploration of the diverse immigrant populations that have shaped modern U.S. society. Together, these works provide thoughtful perspectives on key social issues while offering hope and highlighting progress.

Elementary

Becker, Trudy. Industrial Fires. ISBN 9781637389256.
––––. Pipeline Accidents. ISBN 9781637389294.
––––. Water Contamination. ISBN 9781637389300.
Bithell, Rachel. Great Pacific Garbage Patch. ISBN 9781637389249.
––––. Nuclear Disasters. ISBN 9781637389270.
Bow, James. Chemical Accidents. ISBN 9781637389232.
Gale, Ryan. Mining Disasters. ISBN 9781637389263.
Lerose, Robert. Oil Spills. ISBN 9781637389287.
ea vol: 32p. (Human-Made Disasters). North Star/Apex. Aug. 2024. Tr. $31.35.
Gr 3-5–This series explores disasters resulting from human activity, featuring striking images that accompany brief yet impactful descriptions. Each book introduces readers to notable events such as the Triangle Shirtwaist fire, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and the Kalamazoo River oil spill, highlighting their causes and the human and environmental consequences. Cleanup efforts and preventative measures are also discussed. Though the content is concise, it will appeal to readers interested in both natural and human-made disasters. Each title includes comprehension questions, a glossary, a resource list, and an index. VERDICT An additional selection for libraries looking to expand their collection on this topic.

Burkhart, Juliana. Leaders and Allies Matter. ISBN 9781499446876.
Denton, Michelle. Inclusion Matters. ISBN 9781499446784.
Hampson, Renée. Accessibility Matters. ISBN 9781499446722.
Keppeler, Jill. Language Matters. ISBN 9781499446845.
Lasda, Andrew. Independence Matters. ISBN 9781499446814.
Tolli, Jenna. Education Matters. ISBN 9781499446753.
ea vol: 24p. (Disability Pride). Rosen/PowerKids. Aug. 2024. Tr. $25.27.
Gr 3-5–This series highlights the significance of accessibility and advocacy. The authors explain the necessity of the Americans with Disabilities Act, describing the changes it brought about. Both physical and digital accessibility features are discussed, with practical examples provided. The series also explores accessibility in education, featuring photos of schools for disabled children before the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was passed. Key concepts like integrated classrooms and IEPs are clearly explained. The text emphasizes the importance of using respectful language and fostering empathy. A crucial takeaway is that these advancements would not have been possible without dedicated advocates. While celebrities and activists are highlighted, the text makes it clear that anyone can advocate for change. Each book in the series includes an explanation of the disability pride flag, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. VERDICT This is an essential resource for school and classroom libraries.

Vallepur, Shalini. Earth’s Eco-Warriors and the Fight for Eco-Friendly Food. ISBN 9798893590012.
––––. Earth’s Eco-Warriors and the War on Waste. ISBN 9798893590029.
––––. Earth’s Eco-Warriors Evolve the Ecosystem. ISBN 9798893590036.
––––. Earth’s Eco-Warriors Go Green for Good. ISBN 9798893590043.
ea vol: 24p. (Earth’s Eco-Warriors). North Star/Maple Bay. Aug. 2024. Tr. $29.93.
Gr 1-3–In this series, three children, adorned with leaves, and their dog take on the role of teaching adults how to protect the environment. Each book starts with a “planet promise,” outlining simple ways to help the Earth. The kids then show how to tackle environmentally harmful behaviors their parents engage in, offering practical tips like composting, creating backyard habitats, reducing plastic use, and donating unwanted items instead of discarding them. While some suggestions, such as avoiding air travel, may seem impractical, the series offers a lot of valuable guidance. Each book includes a related activity, a glossary, and an index. VERDICT A useful resource, especially where books on environmental action are in demand.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Brower, Felicia. Grasslands in Danger. ISBN 9781546102069.
Crane, Cody. Deserts in Danger. ISBN 9781546102182.
Green, Alicia. Oceans in Danger. ISBN 9781546102038.
Ting, Jasmine. Forests in Danger. ISBN 9781546102090.
Vizcarra, Natasha. Tundra in Danger. ISBN 9781546102151.
ea vol: 48p. (A True Book: The Earth at Risk). Scholastic/Children’s Press. Sept. 2024. Tr. $31.
Gr 3-5–This series explores the world’s diverse biomes and the impact of human activities on each one. Readers will discover the unique ecosystems within grasslands, deserts, forests, oceans, and tundra, understanding how plants and animals have adapted to thrive in their native habitats. The series also examines the causes of biome degradation, including invasive species, mining, and livestock grazing. Highlighted are the programs and initiatives working to protect these environments, featuring interviews with children contributing to conservation efforts. Each book includes a color-coded global map of ecosystems and textboxes that spotlight distinctive features of the landscapes and the species that inhabit them. Beautiful images are juxtaposed with photos of the damage caused by climate change. The back matter offers a glossary, additional resources, and an index. VERDICT These books vividly illustrate the richness of nature and the need for its protection. Recommended.

DeGroat, Cayla Bellanger. Indigenous Cultures Today: Protecting Native Families and Practicing Cultural Traditions. ISBN 9798765625576.
––––. Native Mascots, Myths, and Misrepresentation: Battling Indigenous Stereotypes. ISBN 9798765625552.
––––. Native Voting Rights and Sovereignty: Recognizing Indigenous Voices in Government. ISBN 9798765625569.
Phillips, Katrina M. Indigenous Environmentalism: Honoring Our Relationships and Responsibilities with Nature. ISBN 9798765625545.
ea vol: 32p. (Native Rights (Alternator Books ®). Lerner. Aug. 2024. Tr. $30.65.
Gr 4-7–This series aims to dismantle stereotypes surrounding Native populations in the U.S. and Canada. It covers topics such as the controversy around mascots and the importance of positive representation. Readers will explore the advocacy efforts that prompted sports teams to change their names, the protection of sacred lands by the government, and the near halting of an oil pipeline. The series also examines the legacy of the boarding school system and its lasting impact on modern Native life. It emphasizes the deep spiritual connection to the land and its crucial role within Native communities. Additionally, the series highlights traditional advocacy methods used to address contemporary issues of rights infringement. Each book includes reflection questions, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. VERDICT A well-researched and accessible resource, perfect for any library.

Howell, Izzi. All the Fossil Fuels Ran Out?ISBN 9780716671275.
––––. Illnesses Became Resistant to Medicine?ISBN 9780716671282.
––––. The Moon Disappeared?ISBN 9780716671299.
––––. We Could Bring Back Dinosaurs?ISBN 9780716671312.
––––. We Stopped Using Cars?ISBN 9780716671305.
Martin, Claudia. We Stopped Using Plastics?ISBN 9780716671268.
ea vol: illus. by Paula Bossio. 48p. (What Would Happen If…). World Book. Oct. 2024. Tr. $23.
Gr 3-6–This series explores both plausible scenarios, like the depletion of fossil fuels, and fantastical ones, such as the moon’s disappearance. Readers are encouraged to explore topics like genetic engineering, tidal activity, and plastic usage while reflecting on their own beliefs. The content is brought to life with vibrant photographs, illustrations, and text boxes packed with fun facts. While the series addresses the serious repercussions of human activity, it maintains a balanced tone, offering potential positive outcomes alongside the challenges. Readers are introduced to scientists from around the world who share insights into their work related to the topics being examined. Each book includes a glossary, comprehension questions, a chain of events activity, a writing prompt, and reading tips for caregivers. VERDICT A highly entertaining exploration of “what if” scenarios.

Upper Middle School to High School

Bolte, Mari. Racism. ISBN 9781640269118.
Newbauer, Heidi. Fake News. ISBN 9781640269088.
Simons, Lisa M. Bolt. Examining Mass Shootings. ISBN 9781640269071.
––––. Poverty. ISBN 9781640269101.
Spengler, Kremena. A Divided Nation. ISBN 9781640269064.
––––. The Immigrant Experience. ISBN 9781640269125.
––––. Voting Rights. ISBN 9781640269132.
Strode, D. S. Living as LGBTQ+. ISBN 9781640269095.
ea vol: 48p. (Living in America). The Creative Company. Jul. 2024. Tr. $30.95.
Gr 6-10–This series serves as an excellent introduction to key issues in current American discourse. Each book offers both a historical and modern perspective, highlighting the complexity of the topics. A Nation Divided starts by exploring the founders’ opinions on political parties and traces how those views, along with the parties themselves, have evolved. It also emphasizes the roles of race and economic equality in shaping today’s political landscape. Voting Rights covers the long struggle for suffrage, particularly across racial and gender lines, and explains the current state of voting. The Immigrant Experience examines the evolution of U.S. immigration laws. Throughout the series, the books strip away the hyperbole and present well-researched facts. They feature sidebars that dive into historical events, political figures, and misinformation, providing additional context. Each book concludes with biographies of key figures, a timeline, a glossary, a bibliography, recommended websites, and an index. VERDICT Highly recommended.

Cornell, Kari. The Excessive Use of Force by Police. ISBN 9781678209346.
Gagne, Tammy. Refugee and Immigrant Rights. ISBN 9781678209308.
––––. Reproductive Rights. ISBN 9781678209322.
Radley, Gail. Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. ISBN 9781678209285.
Wolny, Philip. Gender Violence. ISBN 9781678209261.
ea vol: 64p. (Human Rights at Risk). ReferencePoint/BrightPoint. Aug. 2024. Tr. $33.95.
Gr 7-10–This series provides an essential resource for students to grasp the urgency of human rights issues, both historically and in the present day, across the U.S. and globally. Each book opens with a bulleted summary of key topics, followed by an introduction featuring a notable case that brought attention to the subject. The chapters then explore various types of human rights violations and strategies to address them, supported by eye-opening statistics. The series also examines the laws and organizations working to safeguard at-risk populations, with graphs offering clear data visualization. Each book has a glossary, source notes, an additional resource list, and an index. VERDICT Recommended for research projects.

Currie, Stephen. Black Immigrants. ISBN 9781678208349.
Kallen, Stuart A. Middle Eastern Immigrants. ISBN 9781678208424.
Marcovitz, Hal. Latin American Immigrants. ISBN 9781678208400.
Nardo, Don. European Immigrants. ISBN 9781678208363.
Rockler, Naomi. Jewish Immigrants. ISBN 9781678208387.
Streissguth, Tom. Asian Immigrants. ISBN 9781678208325.
ea vol: 64p. (Immigrants Build America). ReferencePoint. July. 2024. Tr. $33.95.
Gr 6 Up–This series offers a refreshing and positive portrayal of immigrants in contrast to the negative rhetoric often used by elected officials and political candidates. It highlights the vital contributions of diverse immigrant communities to the creation of modern America. Readers will learn about both small and large businesses founded by immigrants, uncover the stories behind Asian American owned nail salons and Cambodian doughnut shops, and explore cultural milestones like the Harlem Renaissance. The series even shares the story of the Welsh immigrant who created Wordle. While it doesn’t shy away from discussing the harsh treatment of immigrants throughout U.S. history and the geopolitical factors driving mass immigration, the tone is celebratory. It showcases how immigration has enriched and revitalized communities across the country. Each book includes immigration statistics, source notes, additional resources, and an index. VERDICT A must—readhighly recommended.

Ratzer, Mary. Becoming an Active Citizen. ISBN 9781499477269.
––––. Building Connections. ISBN 9781499477290.
––––. Choosing Respect. ISBN 9781499477207.
––––. Creating Solutions. ISBN 9781499477221.
––––. Deciding to Care. ISBN 9781499477245.
––––. Exploring Identities. ISBN 9781499477252.
––––. Finding Your Voice for Human Rights. ISBN 9781499477276.
––––. Responsibility and Your World. ISBN 9781499477184.
––––. Social Change. ISBN 9781499477238.
––––. Stepping Up as an Ally. ISBN 9781499477191.
––––. Valuing Differences. ISBN 9781499477283.
––––. Working for Fairness. ISBN 9781499477214.
ea vol: 32p. (Spotlight On an Equitable World). Rosen/Rosen Young Adult. Jul. 2024. Tr. $28.93.
Gr 6-10–This series equips young readers with the tools and knowledge to engage in the fight for social justice. It emphasizes the importance of empathy, warns against the dangers of social isolation, and highlights key struggles for a more just world. Readers will explore barriers to equality and learn actionable steps they can take to contribute, such as mentoring, donating food or goods, and respecting differences. The series promotes a mindset that encourages responsible and respectful behavior, integrating social-emotional learning within the broader context of societal change. It also highlights where society is falling short and introduces the people working to make a difference. Each book includes a glossary and index. VERDICT A useful addition, especially for collections lacking in social-emotional learning resources.

“Immigrants Build America” (ReferencePoint) offers a powerful counter to the anti-immigrant rhetoric prevalent in media and online, highlighting the crucial contributions of immigrants to U.S. society. “Native Rights” (Lerner) expertly connects historical injustices, such as failed treaties and boarding schools, to their lasting effects today, while providing a thorough explanation of the ongoing mascot controversy. Similarly, “Living in America” (The Creative Company) traces the actions and beliefs of the nation’s founders to today’s political climate and social inequality. For curious readers, “What Would Happen If...” (World Book) offers thought-provoking material to engage and stimulate inquisitive minds. These selections provide valuable insights into critical social issues.