MCPL Social Justice Book Club Recommendations
Books provide windows to other cultures, perspectives and experiences. The Social Justice Book Club allows us to learn from each other and celebrate diversity and inclusiveness in our own community. Over the course of the year, we have read about and discussed books about immigrants, slavery, deaf culture, racism, the Holocaust, gender and bullying. We continue our Social Justice journey in our new virtual world one Sunday each month. The book club is an inter-generational book club for participants grades 4-8th and their grown up.
The next Social Justice Book Club meeting is Sunday, November 1, at 2pm. Participants can read any book or watch a movie about the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Choose from one of these Overdrive/Libby titles, a Hoopla title, or even watch the movie RBG on Hoopla and Kanopy! Learn more and register here. Meanwhile, I’d like to share some books that we’ve enjoyed in previous months.
Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan
In this inspiring and hopeful book, we learned about and discussed the Muslim religion, religious discrimination and bravery as Amina finds her voice.
El Deafo by Cece Bell
The group loved this graphic novel which describes a young girl who grows up using a Phonic Ear that allows her to hear EVERYTHING! We discussed deaf culture and ableism.
Better Nate than Ever by Tim Federle
Ever wonder what it’s like to be a theater kid? Go on Nate’s journey to Broadway and find out. We discussed bullying and gender.
One Good Thing About America by Ruth Freeman
In this novel we meet Anais, an immigrant from Africa. The story touches on refugees, homelessness and cultural differences in a hopeful and funny way.
New Kid by Jerry Craft
This Newbery Medal award graphic novel looks at what it’s like to start a new school, where everyone looks different than you. The book is light, honest and funny while looking at diversity and prejudice.
Stella By Starlight by Sharon Draper
Stella by Starlight looks from a child’s perspective at the segregated South. We discussed prejudice and racism.
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams Garcia
This very relatable novel tells the story of three sisters and their trip from Brooklyn to Oakland, California. Instead of going to Disneyland as they had envisioned, they end up at a summer camp run by the Black Panthers. We discussed racism and activism.
Seeking Refuge by Irene N. Watts
In this graphic novel format, we follow a young girl as she flees Nazi occupied Austria. We discussed the Holocaust.
White Bird by R.J. Palacio
A well written graphic novel is from the author of Wonder. This novel focus is on the Holocaust but touches on bullying, bravery and advocacy as well.