Susie’s Book Nook - Children’s Books Reviewed: “An ABC of Equality” & “The Young Activist’s Dictionary of Social Justice”

This month I have selected two books, one for your younger elementary aged child and one for your older and preteen family member. First, for our youngest, “AN ABC of Equality” written by Chana Ginelle Ewing and illustrated by Paulina Morgan”.

Do you find it hard to explain complicated concepts to your young children? Here’s some help in an interesting, fun, and colorful approach covering topics of our differences physically as well as in our beliefs. All the concepts are presented in a way to encourage us to treat everyone with kindness and respect. The author, Chana Ginelle Ewing provides a wonderful introduction to her book for you to read with your young children which will set the tone for learning and appreciating the diversity that exists in our world today.

From there you can move through your ABCs with a colorful presentation of a word and concept that begins with each letter of the alphabet. The definitions and descriptions are written to be easily understood by young children. The colorful illustrations by Paulina Morgan, are fun and lively and will hold children’s attention as you share the information provided on any particular topic. With copywriting in 2019 and 2020, you will find the topics selected as very relevant in the diversity for today’s youth.

Now for an older elementary or preteen, “The Young Activist’s Dictionary of Social Justice ” is an excellent addition to your library. This particular book was put together in collaboration with Ryse Tottingham, an LGBTQ advocate and antibias, anti-racist educator and illustrated by Andy Passchier. This book with a copywrite of 2022 is very new, very current, and very hard to get a copy at our library. I was on hold for 2 months for this book.

What I loved besides defining terms in clear and concise language are the featured stories of young people who were activists in years past, as well as stories of some who are activists currently working diligently to make positive changes in our environment and society. Thumb through this volume to read all about the activists first and then browse over time through the words and concepts defined clearly and succinctly.

At the end of the book there are some excellent ideas of ways young people can take action and begin to make a difference for themselves and young people of the future.  There is also a resource of books, museums websites, and other sources online to pursue should your children and young people be so inclined. If I were still teaching or directing day camps with social justice themes, I would definitely have a copy of this dictionary on our book shelves and encourage its use for its excellent information. 

Building better understandings of each other, recognizing and seeing diversity as to how it enriches our lives and our world, showing kindness and respect for each other are important avenues for us to grow a more peaceful and generous world around us. Sometimes books can help set us on a new path and better path with the next generation.