Reviews

“Being a former elementary teacher and a teacher educator at the college level, this book [36 Sets of Classroom Activities Using SOCIAL JUSTICE Literature for Differentiated Instruction] impressed me with its depth, concepts, research-based curriculum and heart. Addressing today's need for learners to embrace social justice, each lesson seemed to open doors for a better world.

Looking through the pages as an educator, the practicality embraced my mind immediately. Including meaningful literature choices and themes, the content of each lesson focused on young readers becoming more sensitive and aware of the needs of our present-day society as well as democracy as a bigger umbrella concept. Important questions and a differentiated guide to individual conclusions will be sure to engage learners from the earliest stages of reading to the flexible, deep-thinking independent reader.

While making connections to previous learning and experiences, participants will thrive as they build on some of the big topics of our times. Identity, diversity, justice and action are all richly identified in the lessons and opportunities are provided to delve into these essential and meaningful topics of our world. Accommodations, and differentiated instruction for the needs of all levels of readers are illustrated and outlined in the Developmental Continuum found within the pages of this work.

My hope is that this curriculum will be used by educators to highlight important concepts of society that may not be addressed in today's classroom. In this engaging, practical and teacher-friendly book, readers will become more empathetic to the needs, diversity and justice within our society and the world.”

— Laurie MacKechnie, Ph.D. Literacy Specialist and Children’s book author;
former elementary teacher and university teacher educator